On a recent business trip to Prince Edward Island, National Post columnist Christie Blatchford mentioned in passing during a speaking engagement that she did not believe in having heroes.
Some might find that an odd statement, but we can definitely relate to the sentiment.
The word “hero” is thrown around so haphazardly today and applied to those who have absolutely no rightful claim to the title that its true meaning has almost been forgotten.
While we understand the sentiment, one particular example is the school board’s annual naming of its “Everyday Heroes.” Sure, some teachers and other influential people in society and in the lives of youngsters (ie.- parents, emergency responders, etc.) are indeed fine role models and mentors – and they may even occasionally perform an act of bravery.
But more often than not, they’re simply doing their jobs and should not be painted with the same “hero” brush.
We think the title of hero, as it once was, should be reserved for those who give or risk their lives for others, notably in battle.
Perhaps the greatest thing about being a journalist is getting to meet some amazing people, including some actual, real-life heroes.
We consider it an honour to meet and relay the stories of those who risked everything for their country, from the Second World War to the Korean War to Afghanistan.
Recently we met two more legitimate heroes: Griff Jackson of Fergus and Ken Waters of Wellington North, who landed in France as part of the Normandy invasion in WWII and whose stories are told in this week’s feature on the 70th anniversary of D-Day (see pages 22 to 24).
Both are getting on in age, as are all of our nation’s WWII veterans, but they recounted wartime stories with remarkable detail and emotion.
From humorous to horrific, their tales were enthralling; the type of living history people simply can’t get from sitting in a classroom, reading a book or watching a film.
Annual events like Remembrance Day, and important anniversaries like D-Day on June 6, are vital to pay tribute to those who risked and gave everything for their country. But they are simply not enough to give our heroes the proper recognition they deserve. Nor are they sufficient to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
As Jackson pointed out, with each passing year our number of WWII veterans dwindles at an alarming rate. Compounding that loss is the reticence of those veterans. While understandable, if not admirable, their humility and hesitancy to talk about the war may actually have contributed to what some see as the dwindling importance of remembrance, particularly among younger Canadians.
WWII veteran Merv Fisher, whom the Advertiser featured in a past Remembrance Day feature, said he now recognizes the importance of speaking up about his experiences in the war.
“They finally got through to me,” Fisher said during a recent discussion with Jackson.
“If [veterans] don’t come forward, the kids won’t know anything about the war … If we don’t tell these stories, they will die with us.”
It’s astounding to us that WWII veterans, considering all they’ve already given and experienced, are still learning, still growing and developing as human beings, and still making personal sacrifices for others.
It’s yet another reason why the greatest generation of all, like all our nation’s veterans, should be remembered, honoured and thanked at every opportunity – not just on Nov. 11. It’s the least we can do for our true heroes.
The torch has been passed … it’s up to each and every one us to hold it high, 365 days a year.
