The day was overcast with a slight nip and a chill in the air. He knew he should have been with his boss at the memorial sight. But as he had been a part of all the wars he found it stuffy. Too many people, to many loud sounds. The gun salute accompanied with the solemn occasion brought back to many memories.
Mathew Williams remembered too many lost. Some were so young. He remembered joking with others and hearing whispered conversation that revealed real ages. Some had lied. Saying that they were older than they in fact were. 15-17 year olds pretending they were 18. Being treated as men and dieing as men. The infirmaries with the serious faced nuns and nurse's.
He was Canada, or at least the personification of Canada and he would grieve with all of Canada. That two minutes every year never seemed long enough. Too many to remember too many forgotten. So there he sat on a bench facing a long forgotten monument to the soldiers. The chill wing blowing his one stray curl to the side and out of his face for once.
His usually passive expression calm and steady. But held hints of grief and sadness around his eyes. but a slight smile still graced his face. not a large smile but a slight upturn of the mouth revealed his hope for his country. Though older than some he was still considerd a young country. Some forgot him who he was and where he came from. But he would never forget.
looking down at the small white bear who sat calmly and attentively for once, he stood. "lets go kuma" he said remembering the bears name for once. The bear simply nodded and started off towards the car that was back down the trail.
Mathew simply stood there a moment longer watching the scenic picture of the red and yellow maple leafs falling and coating the ground. adjusting the poppy that was pinned to his chest he turned and continued down the trail.