In Ottawa, there were 100,000 people gathered on Parliament Hill and jamming the nearby streets. There were US flags everywhere. It was utterly silent - the only time I can recall such silence was at the burial of Canada's unknown soldier last year.

I had to be there. I have made a lot of friends in the States, particularly this past year since I joined Mudcat and had the opportunity to sing with people at Portland, Maine, at the home of Bat Goddess and Curmudgeon, and at Old Songs. I also think of the Americans I've met in the course of my military service. I also find myself thinking about places like Little Round Top, Antietam, Marye's Heights, and the Crater at Petersburg, Virginia, all of which have touched me very deeply. Why this comes into my mind right now, I'm not sure. I haven't thought it out.

Blessings on you all, particularly in New York and Washington.

Edmund