“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” – George Orwell

Darryl Dash posted that quote on Twitter and it set me to thinking. I am writing this post half a world away from Canada, on a vacation. Right now, another world away, there are Canadians, my age and younger, in a conflict. They are serving their country, for reasons unapparent at times to both them and us. Yet, they are doing us proud.

As I thought about these rough men and strong women I realized something. Their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of their predecessors have allowed an entire generation in the West to grow up not knowing war. I have suffered no privation; I have had no violence seared into my psyche. I am a member of a privileged society. Our privilege is the result of the action of those veterans of wars past, and is maintained by the soldiers of today.

May I never forget what I need not remember; I am no witness to nation against nation, because others carry the sword on my behalf.