Edmonton, A Proud Military History

When you here of places like:
Mount Sorrel, Flers-Courcelette, Arras, Ancre Heights, Hill 70, Ypres, Mons, Vimy, Somme, Passchendaele, Amiens, Scarpe, Hindenburg Line, Canal du Nord, Flanders, Sicily, Piazza Armerina, Leonforte, Agira, Adrano, Troina Valley, Colle d’Anchise, The Gully, Ortona, Liri Valley, Hitler Line, Gothic Line, Monteciccardo, Monte Luro, Rimini Line, San Fortunato, Pisciatello, Savio Bridgehead, Naviglio Canal, Fosso Munio and Apeldoorn, what comes to mind?

What if I added a few peoples names to this list?
William Antrobus Griesbach, James Curry Jefferson, Cecil John Kinross and John Chipman Kerr.

Does Edmonton even come to mind? I didn't think so... But it should. All of the places mentioned above are names of major battles during WWI and WW II that the The Loyal Edmonton Regiment took part in. Quite successfully I might add.

The first two names are those of two of the most highly regarded leaders the Canadian Forces ever had. The later two are both recipients of the Victoria Cross. All four were members of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Although at times it was known by different designations, its core was always based on volunteers from Edmonton and the surrounding areas.

I could go on here for hours... But I won't. If you would like to read more about the LER, I suggest you head over to The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum web site.

From The Cost of Freedom

Sadly, the historical record shows that we are not always grateful. Admittedly, during and immediately after these wars, Canadians have shown appreciation for the military's sacrifices. Communities have hosted welcome home parades and built memorials. But, within a generation, the memory of sacrifice, and the sense of appreciation for the men and women who have made these sacrifices, has faded. Families remember, but as a nation and a people, we forget.

Today is Remembrance Day. We as a nation and people must never forget. Those who have have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have served in the past and those who serve now, deserve our support and respect. It is a small price to pay for what they have given us.