339 Junior Essay, Third Place Julien Nevrtalova, Branch #263 - Coquitlam Silent tears fall from my cheeks as I hear once again the melancholic poetry that forces me to remember, "In Flanders Fields the poppies grow, between the crosses row on row." Every Remembrance Day, my heart grieves for the many that we have lost on our journey to peace. My family was deeply marked with the loss of my heroic and kind great grandfather. Although it is painful to look back and remember our tragic loss, I know that I must commemorate him to make sure his legacy and spirit lives on forever. During World War II terror ruled and everyone's future was bleak, my grandfather's included. He was always a peaceful man, who never got into arguments, therefore he was doleful by the difficult decision that lay in front of him. His conscience told him to make a difference and join the army, however he had a family and the risk of losing them forever made him heartbroken. His wife, my great grandmother, urged him to stay, she said it was dangerous, nevertheless he went to war. He fought valiantly, and fought to the end but he died at the hands of his enemies. His last words were, "Tell my family I love them and I am sorry I let them down by never coming back home." He died as a hero and was loved by many. After the war ended, elation was spread across the world. But many never came home. I remember clearly my great grandmother sobbing as she told me the stories of my great grandfather. "I wish you could have known him. He would have loved you so much, your spirits were very similar, in fact you remind me of him." I grieve for all families who have lost precious individuals eternally. To all of those who were left widowed, never had a father or mother and had to go on with their lives without ever getting to say goodbye." Although I have never met my great grandfather, he is the biggest hero of my life, and that is why I wear a poppy on Remembrance day, to honour him and all the other brave souls.
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