A Night at the Armoury

No, I'm not leaving civilian life for the army, nor was I trying to steal a rocket launcher to destroy and unstoppable medieval demon. I attended an official swearing in at the Denison Armoury in North York.

 There are very few opportunities to get a glimpse at the inner workings of our country's military. After being mistaken for a new recruit several times, I walked through the bland hallways lined with cases of artifacts from battles past. We soon reached the Officer's Mess which then led us further on to another Mess that housed even more relics from the Battalion's long history.

While some families snaps pictures, sipping coffee, others wandered the room examining the trophy cases and portraits of long gone soldiers.

As the ceremony began, we (the common folk) were given a talk about supporting our family or friend that is now entering a new phase in their life. One full of responsibility and dedication to an important cause.

This message didn't really hit home until he spoke to the new recruits. He mentioned that they will be challenged in new ways and will need to stick together as a new kind of family. In fact, if anyone doesn't help someone in need- they will be held accountable for these shortcomings. They would now be a unit of individuals with unique skills and abilities who will help each other and achieve their success together.

As a teacher, I felt that this is the kind of speech that should be given at the start of every school year, to every single student. In fact, with this outlook, nobody will be left behind.

Even though they won't be fighting demons or saving the world (...yet), they will face their true nature and bring out their full potential (okay, enough Buffy-speak) to serve a greater purpose, to serve this country. Something us urbanites often know little about.

Congrats to the new Privates. Train hard!