The men and women who serve our country today as in the past deserve our heartfelt thanks. They sacrifice so much especially within their own families to protect ours. I couldn't be more proud of the people who serve in our military. Through my films, I have had the distinct honor of meeting many veterans; especially WWII veterans. These human beings are a breed apart. They have an inner pride and a knowing that they quite literally saved the earth from global tyranny. Just like in the previous "Great War," WWI, they answered the call. There was a moving ceremony in France today at the Battle of Belleau Wood site on the 100th anniversary of the battle. Visit.

This reminded me of the WWI film I directed in Canada, Dominion Day. Dominion Day is Canada's independence day which falls on July 1st. The film I directed recounted the last 100 days of WWI where the Canadians spearheaded the allied victory. This led to the armistice on November 11, 1918. The victory came at great cost and the clip below is the opening part of the film. I decided that the best way to show the sacrifice was to show the men. France is dotted with WWI Commonwealth Grave Commission cemeteries which are immaculately cared for. They are located on land which slopes uphill because this is where the men fell. I encourage you to watch the clip below. It may be hard not to shed a tear.




Finally, a prayer excerpt on this day for the fallen from Rev. Dick Kozeika from Beliefnet.com

"God, lift the hearts of those for whom this holiday is not just diversion, but painful memory and continued deprivation. Bless those whose dear ones have died needlessly, wastefully [as it seems] in accident or misadventure. We remember with compassion those who have died serving their countries in the futility of combat. There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation, when all the answers we are offered fail the question death asks of each of us. We believe that you will provide for us as others have been provided with the fulfillment of "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

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