For the past three years, around the end of October, ASAP Engraving receives an order from Aart Van Sloten regarding engraving the wooden crosses for the year's Remembrance Day Memorial Services. These services are held each year in Edmonton at the Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge, wherein Mr. Van Sloten and family members join with many Veterans, Military members, friends, and family alike to honor those who have been killed in Afghanistan. A wooden cross, engraved with the members name and ranking, is placed for every loss of life. ASAP Engraving is honored to donate our services and be a part of such an amazing memorial for those brave men and women who have died for our country.
The orders have been decreasing each year. In 2009 we laser engraved 36 wooden crosses. 2010 we fulfilled an order for 20, and thankfully this year there are only 5. I can honestly say, these crosses will always be something we are proud of, and yet thankful when they are no longer ordered.
While running the crosses each year, it's impossible to not reflect on the significance of each and every one. The many people affected by the losses, the sadness and sorrow the family members must deal with everyday...yet it makes me thankful that we are safe, surrounded by our loved ones and able to remember them in our own way.
This year, we ask that you take the time to remember...and reflect not only on those that have been lost, but on the bravery of those still fighting to make our country the amazing place it is!
