This was written by a soldier who has served in Afghanistan, I think it is well written and gives the viewpoint of those who serve this country.  I forward it for your consideration.  With Remembrance Day approaching, I would ask that we all give thought to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in freedom. Wear a RED Poppy, support our soldiers! Even if you dont believe in the mission, support the wives, husbands, parents, children and friends who have loved ones serving over there...mine is going soon.

Dear Jack Layton,

You sit there in your quiet home, no fear in your heart,
You sleep soundly certain that it won't be blown apart.

Your children they can go to school and play out in the park,
They've never seen a bomb explode, heard air raids in the dark.

They've never seen dead bodies piled up on the street,
Your wife, she won't be beaten, treated like a piece of meat.

You are free to form opinions, read any news print you can see,
You enjoy your rights and privileges in this country wide and free.

The reason you can live like that is because I fight your wars,
I fight and push the enemy back, I keep them off our shores.

I am here and you are there pretending you know best.
Well Ole Jack now listen close while I get this off my chest.

You have the right to criticize, you have the right to complain
You don't have the right to drag me down in a stupid political game.

The thing about your rights Ole Jack, the part you can't comprehend
Is you work in the very system, the democracy I defend.

I stand on fences around the world protecting those that need it,
It is not for you to determine Jack whether or not it's worth it.

Ask the people in Afghanistan if they want me to stay,
Women and children depend on me - you say just walk away.

I don't need your changing policy, trying hard to not lose face,
What I need is you behind me, helping protect this place.

You know its hard to do this when I think I'm all alone.
I hear stories of young punks pissing on memorial stones.

I read the papers over here and they tell me what is said.
Canadians are losing faith I can't get it through my head.

You say that it is hopeless, it really brings me down
Don't tell my mother we're losing, don't spread that rumour around.

I'm doing good, were winning here but no-one will believe
Because we are way over here where no one there can see.

Women here can work you see, children starting school.
We built a working government, we've broken Taliban rule.

We are so close to winning this, it's not too far away
History will show that we were in the right to stay.

When that brilliant day arrives, victory you'll claim is ours
You'll forget you said to run away - forget you are a coward.

On that day just thank me for my courage and my trouble,
Find another place that needs help, and send me on the double.

......................................................written by Josh Forbes Calgary Alberta Canada

Thank you Mr Forbes for that heart-felt piece! You certainly make many of us remember why we are so lucky to be Canadian!

Thank you to all of the men and women, especially the ones who laid down their lives for not only our country, peace and democracy but for the Afganny people. Heros are not NHLer, NFLers or MLBers....they men and women who believe passionately about making the world a better place and who work hard to keep their neighbours safe.

Again, wear a Poppy...a red one. And thank a soldier.

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