This weekend (July 8,9 & 10, 2011) the Canadian Veterans National Rendezvous will take place in Niagara Falls. Michael Blais, the founder of the Canadian Veterans Advocacy is the main organizer of the 2011 Rendezvous. He was also the organizer of the first national day of protest in support of veterans held on November 6, 2010.
The following is a congratulatory letter I sent to Michael Blais, organizers and participants in honour of this important event:
Dear Mike
I would like to wish you, the other organizers and all the participants the best of success for the first Canadian Veterans National RV. This is an unprecedented Canadian initiative which will inspire all those who are understanding and educate those who do not know. The RV will also likely frighten those that would prefer veterans have no public voice, those that would order our destiny to remain in the hands of a select few senior civilian bureaucrats who know not the sacrifices we make the day we put on a military uniform. Nor do they understand what our families give up to stand by us.
All those attending and especially those who cannot attend have not sacrificed so much of their former healthy and productive lives to be relegated to the social garbage can of forgotten indignities. That is why the Canadian Veterans National Rendezvous is so important.
Unfortunately, medical issues have overtaken our household and I will not be able to attend. I was hoping that matters would allow us to go but alas, I must offer my sincere support from afar.
I wish for sunny skies and warm weather for the RV. Whether Mother Nature cooperates or not, I am certain that the positive feelings and wishes of all those present will shine a different light. All participants will bring the light of truth that we veterans and family members are the only ones to define the dignity and respect we need to prosper in this country in which we have the greatest of investments: our lives, our lost and newfound careers, our hopes and our future paid for with blood and so much suffering.
May our future rest in our hands so that we can nurture and guide our path forward in humble and productive collaboration with the rest of Canada and Canadians.
Together, veterans and their families will no longer remain silent.
Warmest regards to all,
Sean Bruyea