The Unwelcomed Friend

   Inside the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV3), a young Canadian soldier was catering to the curiosity of the two boys who were bombarding him with rapid-fire queries. His answers were direct and well calculated but never failed to amuse the two youngsters who probably thought that war is just as fun as video games. The scenario was captured in my camcorder as I videotaped the simulated military base that was put on display by the Canadian Armed Forces at the Canadian National Exhibition.

   The forest-green camouflage made the Canadian flag emblem standout on his uniform. With the matching beret, he looked very sharp. “I have been in the service for two years and I am going to Afghanistan next month,” he said without hesitation. His voice echoed the discipline and valour of a trained soldier. His thorough knowledge of operating the armoured vehicle and its firepower was quite remarkable. But inside the uniform stood an inexperienced young man whose military training would soon be tested in a real volatile battlefield. He is only twenty three years old. Young enough to be my son. His youthful smile assured me that he was fully prepared and combat-ready. His family must be hurting to see him go, but I am confident that they are also proud of him. With a firm handshake, I looked straight into his eyes and expressed my thanks and admiration for his valuable service to the country.

   To this day, the number of fallen Canadian soldiers is still climbing to an alarming rate. It is the hefty price Canada pays for the sake of freedom. Whose freedom? Other country’s freedom! Is it even worth it? To the young soldier I have just met, it is worth risking his life. He does not have to go to Afghanistan but volunteered to join his comrades in fighting for what they believe in. He knew the consequences of his decision. Most of the people he will be fighting for will not welcome him. They will despise his presence. And yet he will still subject himself to extreme danger and constant fear of the unknown, whether he could make it back alive to his family or not.

   Is it stupidity? Or is it love for humanity? The answer depends on whom the question is directed to. The mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, spouses, friends and loved ones of these brave men and women would say a thundering NO!! to war. And to the Canadian Armed Forces it would mean the medals of honour; the salute of respect; the congratulatory applause for their heroism and sometimes Canadian flags hoisted half-mast for those who came home in boxes.

All these brave men in hostile lands who are strong believers of world peace remind me of a man who was also not welcomed by the people he served and saved. They mocked him, betrayed him and killed him. 

   His name is . . . . . . . Jesus. The son of God they crucified.