They shall grow not old

I had a communications industry blog post ready to go, but I decided that it can wait a day.

Today, November 11, is Remembrance Day in Canada, Veterans Day in the US. I decided to set aside my usual theme to honour the sacrifices of those men and women who have served and who are serving now to defend and protect the values that we take for granted.

I have close family and friends who have children serving in three armies, all allies. Kids who are just out of high school are serving as soldiers and commanding others at war. Despite the risks they take by just getting out of bed, they’re still at an age that doesn’t let them order a drink in many jurisdictions.

Early in my career, I worked with a company that actively recuited from veterans. It was partly because their military training developed leadership skills that transfered well into their business. We need more companies to consider this kind of program.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.   Laurence Binyon: For The Fallen

A moment’s silence once a year just doesn’t seem to be enough.