We Remember

Poppy sales and donations are up this year and it’s not hard to figure out why. The murders of Cpl. Cirillo and Warrant Officer Vincent put faces, families and tangible heartache on the vague, “people who serve our country”. 

I believe I’ve mentioned my late father-in-law before. I only met him once and it was just in passing, around Christmas-time in the mid-80s. But I know his story and I literally live with his legacy. We have his combat boots, uniform, and other relics from his time in the service during WWII. Here he is at 22.

Black and white photo of a young man in shirt-sleeves and tie, smiling

I also have living examples in my life-long friend Al, and the men and women of the Canadian Army Veterans whom we consider friends. Not only do we enjoy our freedoms, we actually have the right to take them for granted because of sacrifices made by those who defend our country. Many of them were scared to death but did it anyway. That’s courage at its finest. Since being told not to wear their uniforms in public while off duty, to keep them from becoming targets for terrorists and lunatics here in their own country, the current servicemen and women are hurting too. Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Plans are moving ahead to make Remembrance Day a stat across the country. Ontario is one of only four provinces that doesn’t recognize it as a day off. The Liberals aren’t stupid. They know it will be a political win for them to declare next Nov. 11 a mandatory holiday. For decades, people have been saying we’re in danger of forgetting about the horrors of war. Unfortunately, that’s just not true. I’m on the fence about the holiday. When kids are in school on Remembrance Day, their whole day is about it. Chances are, that won’t happen at home. Again, that’s all part of a freedom of choice, right?

 

1 thought on “We Remember”

  1. I agree Lisa. I recall when Nov. 11 was a stat holiday. Schools had lessons about it, but when the actual day came, while we paused to reflect for 2 minutes, that was about it. As a former school secretary, the services held in the schools on Nov. 11 were far more important than just pausing for 2 minutes. Everyone loves to have an extra holiday, but I think perhaps the way it is today is the way it should remain.

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