It is Remembrance Day here in Canada and as another year goes by, I again question how I can remember, and do justice to those who who fought and participated in the wars of our past.
See, I am German.
And English. A cross breed, I guess.
One Grandfather fought for the Royal Air Force- a career decision. The other was pulled into Hitler’s army during the war.
One family, living in Canada while that Grandfather was based out of England. The other family, on the ground in Germany, hiding in bunkers and collecting what they could to eat.
So, I get confused at this time of year. Who should I remember?
Do I remember the family that suffered the most because of the war? If so, that would be my German side.
Do I remember the family that had their life changed the most drastically? So drastically that it meant immigrating to Canada with what they could carry?
Because for me, there are two sides to every war. And I want so desperately to remember ALL our veterans, not just the ones “on our side”
So again this year, we will commemorate quietly, and as a family. I will remember both my Grandfathers and their bravery in fighting for THEIR freedom. And I will remember all the other men and women out there who put their lives at risk fighting for what they believe in.
In war there are no winners and losers, just one side that loses more than the other. In our family we honour the hardships, losses and sacrifice of both sets of ancestors. We do so with the understanding that the idea of “us” and “them” is only a matter of politics and geography, and not human spirit.
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My husband grapples with same question as a German-born Canadian, each year.