A gamer who remembers...

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae

I'm posting a rare second time today.

To say that too few of us understand the horrors of war is a shining testament to those who do. They fought - and fight on still - so that as many people as possible need not know it.

My coat has many patches on it. The Autobot logo, a Gotham City SWAT patch, but the one I'm most proud to wear is my patch of the Canadian flag. I love this country, and I dearly thank those who have sacrificed for it and continue to sacrifice for it. One could call me a socialist, but I think that the Canadian Armed Forces deserve better from our government. There is no greater peace-making, peace-keeping and emergency humanitarian organization in the world. I don't think I could do that. I'm not sure I have the determination to go half-way around the world to do what they do. The best I can do is become a cop. In that way I hope to protect domestically what they do foreignly.

We play games about war. We make light of it and pride ourselves with FPS ranks and killmails. We don't know, and I pray that you, kind reader, never do. 90 years ago and many times since then, they gave us the freedom to boast and joke and chat while flinging virtual instruments of death at each other. Thank them for that, if nothing else. It's very fitting in a way that the EVE servers and forums have gone dark today. Maybe someone planned that, and if they did I tip my hat to them. Few could offer a more fitting moment of silence on behalf of the EVE community.

I will probably not be playing any games tonight... I don't think it's appropriate. Not that I'd look down on anyone who did. Some may think playing a game like Gears of War 2 or EVE Online is a tribute to those who serve and have served. What is important is that the thought is kept present as you frag. If you do game tonight, be extra courteous to your fellow gamer. Show them respect as a warrior. Stick to team-based matches and give your all to those watching your back. At the end of the round, say good game and Happy Remembrance Day. If you'd be so kind, please tell me about your in-game tales of combat camaraderie. Moments that touched you and linked you to your brothers and sisters in arms.

Ja.