In "our darkest hour", to
act with selflessness and a ‘belief in the greater good’ is the true demonstration
of power.
During a week filled
with global acts of terror and hate, we lose another one of our own - Robert
Hall (taken and killed as a hostage in the Phillipines). This tragedy can be
viewed through different painful lenses...that of the horrific experience of
being the hostage or being the family member who waits in silence hoping that
by some ‘grace of god’ the captors have a change of heart...both of which bring
great pain and suffering.
When hearing of Mr.
Hall’s tragic passing, I was struck with sadness for this gentleman, great
sympathy for the family, and deep anger for the absurdity and asinine nature of
this event. It wasn’t until I read a statement from Mr. Hall’s family that I
was able to somewhat process and appreciate the impact that this man and his
family have had on our country, and our efforts in the war against terror.
“Our family, even in
our darkest hour, agrees wholeheartedly with Canada’s policy of not paying
ransom,” the Hall family said in the statement. “We stand with the ideals that
built this country; strength of character, resilience of spirit, and refusal to
succumb to the demands of the wretched.”(The Canadian Press)
In his book ‘Leadership’,
General Rick Hillier describes the challenge of building morale within the
Canadian Forces and how each member and family’s selfless contribution to ‘the
cause’ has resulted in a heightened respect for the Canadian Forces and its
impact worldwide.
It is in the same light
that I view the actions of Mr. Hall’s family...truly virtuous (and Canadian) indeed.
