War Child

I am a daughter of war, the heiress of generations of conflict.
I am a mother who wishes peace for the future.

Both of those identities are true. They are why I Act to the best of my ability to make a different future.

Today I wear a red poppy in honour of the too-many fighters who saw war in my family. Each and every one of them wore uniforms because they were drawn into a war started by others and which threatened their families, communities, countries, world, and very survival.

Those soldiers include both of my parents, both of my in-laws, and numerous aunts and uncles and cousins in WWII. They include three of my grandparents and numerous relatives in WWI.

Remembrance Day is the opposite of glorifying war – it’s about remembering how badly we fucked up, and doing everything in our power not to do it again.

Remembrance Day is really a story of hope and renewal … if only we remember.

I am a child of war.
So are you.
So will be our children and grandchildren – unless we remember, and change.