Canada

[Roderick]

It's worth noting that the tradition among Canadians of putting a Canadian flag on our backpacks when traveling abroad originated because of Canadian forces' liberation of different places throughout Europe as World War II came to a close. Yes, many nations were involved in liberating towns and cities and villages at the end of the war, but Canadian soldiers earned a reputation as liberators who behaved fairly and kindly to the people and places they liberated. They did not loot the towns they freed, for example, as some forces serving under other nations' flags did. For this reason, Canadians were always remembered and treated well by the people of Europe.

That and the fellow that Steve mentioned earlier, Romeo Dallaire (played by Nick Nolte in Hotel Rwanda), are the things that make me proudest of my nation's military achievements -- more than the numbers of men lost, more than a significant D-Day advance.

Dalliare is worth looking into if you don't know about him. Start here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rom%C3%A9o_Dallaire , and then invest in a copy of his book Shake Hands with the Devil.

[CDNSushi]

Last year, I had a wonderful conversation with a vet. at the Royal Legion tent during the Highland Games here in Japan. He pointed out the role of the Canadian troops in the Siege of Hong Kong, and referred me to what he said was a brilliant book on the subject. I wrote it down, but alas, lost it since then. However, if someone came up with the title of it, I'd know if that was it or not. Anyone have any ideas?

[ccga3359]

It's worth noting that the tradition among Canadians of putting a Canadian flag on our backpacks when traveling abroad originated because of Canadian forces' liberation of different places throughout Europe as World War II came to a close. Yes, many nations were involved in liberating towns and cities and villages at the end of the war, but Canadian soldiers earned a reputation as liberators who behaved fairly and kindly to the people and places they liberated. They did not loot the towns they freed, for example, as some forces serving under other nations' flags did. For this reason, Canadians were always remembered and treated well by the people of Europe.

Then there is the story of Georges Devloo who found his own way of honouring Canadians at Vimy Ridge. Au revoir to the Grand-Père of Vimy.

[Roderick]

Then there is the story of Georges Devloo who found his own way of honouring Canadians at Vimy Ridge. Au revoir to the Grand-Père of Vimy.

I had heard about Georges for the first time only shortly before I heard of his death. Quite a wonderful fellow.

And that's a very good article, too.

[muirkirkca]

Shouldn't let this post pass without mentioning that those fallen in battle in Afghanistan are piped by a piper to the aircraft bringing their body home to Canada. This is instead of the Last Post used in many countries. I believe the tune they use is Flowers of the Field but could be corrected on this.

[kiltedwolfman]

I get mixed feelings when I hear and often witness the stereotypes projected towards Canadian soldiers especially since I am one. We ( soldiers ) are often the last to toot our own horns about our deeds and when given praise just say thanks, look down slightly and then wonder off. Personally I think we downplay ourselves far too much.
I served in Afghanistan as a combat soldier, I have known all but 4 of the people who died there so far, some of them I had trained myself and others were friends or coursemates. I feel priviledged to have known all of them, and feel equally priviledged to serve still, and while thier losses are harshly felt thier sacrifices will never be forgotten.
I am thankfull for the type of crowd we have here at X-marks in that they show that the reason for the sacrifices of fighting troops everywhere can be remembered and exemplified in the unity and community found here.

Cheers

[Kerr the Walker]

Those brave individuals who are willing to lay down their lives for strangers in the preservation of freedom are no cowards and deserve our undying grattitude regardless of the flag on their shoulder.

[Brandane]

Those brave individuals who are willing to lay down their lives for strangers in the preservation of freedom are no cowards and deserve our undying grattitude regardless of the flag on their shoulder.

Well said sir.

[Coinneach]

And not all of those lovely Canadians are soldiers. It was the Canadian Embasssy in Iran that helped a few lucky Americans who managed to barely escape being held hostage in 1979-1980. They put themselves at great risk to help their southern neighbor.

[macwilkin]

And not all of those lovely Canadians are soldiers. It was the Canadian Embasssy in Iran that helped a few lucky Americans who managed to barely escape being held hostage in 1979-1980. They put themselves at great risk to help their southern neighbor.

Not to mention the people of Gander, Newfoundland in 2001.

T.