Not long ago, on the other side of the security fence at the end of this road, B-52 bombers of the Strategic Air Command, armed with thermonuclear weapons stood ready for the unthinkable. Today however, a flower grows through the asphalt of the road leading to the alert stands at the former Loring Air Force Base in Maine. The alert stands are empty and nature is slowly reclaiming what was always hers. This came about through the sacrifices made by the men and women who chose to wear the uniform of the free world's armed services. There is still conflict in the world today and perhaps there always will be, but we are no longer sitting at the brink of nuclear Armageddon.

The Cold war may be over, but there is still another war raging throughout the world. It is a war of freedom as the citizens of country after country fight oppression within their borders. Today’s Canadian military stands in support of them and in turn, we must stand behind the men and women of our forces. It is a small price to pay for the freedoms we have come to enjoy and expect every day. If you happen to see one of them or a veteran in a coffee shop, buy them a cup and say, ‘thanks’.

...remember, wear red on Friday to show everyone that you proudly support our troops!