Lest We Forget. — Oops Maybe we’ve forgotten????

Remember my post and photo of the young girl wearing her Great grandfather’s WW1 medals. From publishing this photo on my blog I learned a little bit of forgotten History, the term “Pip Squeak and Wilfred” if you read yesterday’s blog you will know what I’m referring too.  The three medals were popularly known as Pip Squeak and Wilfred by the troops. Whether this was done in humour or sarcasm,( maybe a bit of both) I think it reflects the thoughts of returning soldiers of World War One. Those having survived one of the most horrific conflicts in the history of war, this is what they received from their leaders as a thank you and a symbol of their sacrifice.

I’m not trying to judge whether it was right or wrong, Nonetheless, it must be point out that this is a startling example of why blood relatives should be allowed to wear late loved ones medals. Ask yourself if you knew of this interesting piece of WW1 history, or indeed if you know anyone else who knew this fact? Surely this follows with “Lest We Forget” most of us have either forgotten or never knew in the first place. One more very sound reason for the legion to request amending the law(Section 419) to allow blood relatives to wear these medals. Lets think about today’s younger generation. compared to most of us older folks, they are extremely computer literate. Now imagine a young boy/girl being told she can wear her Great Grandfathers medals to a Remembrance Day Ceremony. What do you think the young person will do first? I believe they will go on-line and find out what the medals represent, why they were awarded, where they were awarded, and in which war were they awarded etc etc. Does anyone really think this would be disrespectful, dishonouring or diluting those medals. It surely emphasizes the purpose of the Royal Canadian Legion to honour our veterans past and present. Allow widows, mothers, wives, sons, daughters and yes Grandchildren to also honour their own family history.  I honestly fail to see any valid reason why Dominion Command should so adamantly refuse to request this change. If as you claim you are “Preparing for the 21st Century” then here is a good place to begin.

God Bless and keep reading