November: A time for remembrance - w(ar)t

This is a composite image.   It shows a fallen soldier ascending into everlasting peace by "The Angel of Victory" - a statue sculpted by Coeur de Lion McCarthy in 1922 for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) to commemorate the 1,115 CPR workers killed during the First World War.     

This is one of my all-time favourite statues - involving war art - that I have come across during my travels.   When I look at this statue, I feel an immense sensation of calmness and completeness - both for me and this soldier.  I can see that sacrifices made in the name of hope, goodness, and humanity can never be lost in vain.   Even if we fail in our pursuits, this statue's transcendence and strong embrace show that a greater power of salvation will be there to greet us.  Even if some amongst us forget, or some amongst us ignore, or some amongst us choose to desecrate the very actions and ideals that befell the man, the power of salvation is there to ensure that all is not lost in vain - and especially so for those who have extolled the virtues of fortitude and charity in life.        

The following words are inscribed at the foot of this statue, which is in Vancouver, BC:  "To commemorate those in the service of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company who, at the call of king and country, left all that was dear to them.   Endured hardship, faced dangers and finally passed out of sight of men by the path of duty and self sacrifice.   Giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom.   Let those who come after see to it that their names be not forgotten."