“Charlotte, look, there is even a torch bearer there. To you from falling hands we throw the torch be yours to hold it high.” I can still recite that poem Charlotte.
She smiled back at me and said in a faint voice:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
“I am proud of you sweetie. And I love you.”
“I love you too dad.”
“There must be thousands of people here Charlotte. Thousands.”
Not just Canadians. I could see Brits, French, both military and civilians. Dignitaries, big wigs, politicians, bands, and pipers. All forming up. A guard of honour from the Royal Canadian Navy was dressed and formed up in one spot. Dignitaries and very important people over here. Veterans with family members everywhere: perched over the base of the monument itself like ants on a hill. They also covered the entire broad slope of grass to the east – toward the Douai plain.
There is no formality for us, thank God. Just a casual but poignant dedication and remembrance. A Dais has been raised so I am sure that a ceremony and formal presentation have been planned.
“And look Charlotte, over there. That must be the centerpiece of the dedication ceremony.” To our left was a tall statue, covered in our national flag. There is no doubt that this statue is important to the site, as it is front and center overlooking the sloping lawn on the east side.
“Charlotte nodded. “You are right father. And look down there at the base. A stone tomb.”
Charlotte began to cry. She, like me, has been overcome with emotion.
“To an unknown soldier, left behind, representing all those who never came home and have no known graves. Only unto God they be known.”
A guard motioned us toward the steps on the south side of the monument. We decided to stay where we were, on the base of the monument facing the steps at the back facing west. I am sure that the King and other VIPs will enter from this direction. There were also thousands of veterans with their families as well as other Canadians who decided to make their way over here from Canada. Our view was strategic as we could see the entrance to the site, the base of the pylons, the covered centerpiece, and the thousands of spectators that walked down onto the lawn that sloped down and away from the monument. Here in the front and on the sides thousands of others were formed. In true Canadian fashion it was to be a very casual occasion, except for an honour guard from the Royal Canadian Navy. Great I thought. Appropriate for us that this dedication is going to be a Canadian event.
We fell in with the crowd and could see the guard of honour and the flagbearers. Standing at ease and facing north along the main road to the monument. It was an impressive remarkable sight. The significance of this day was not lost on Charlotte nor I, as well as the thousands of attendees gathered here today. Front and center they are, looking back at the glaringly impressive white limestone structure that faced the broad Douai plain. I could not have been prouder. This unbelievably beautiful structure symbolizes the Canadian accomplishment to have taken this ridge, when no other combatant, British or French, could.
But at what cost in human lives.
