There’s no shortage of ways I could write about Remembrance Day each year, or pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives while serving their country.
I’ve written about my personal connection to the Canadian Forces. Both of my grandfathers served in the Second World War, Grandpa Willberg in the army and Grandpa Leguee in the air force. And I’ve had friends and other family members serve their country in various capacities.
I’ve written about our country’s proud military history, ranging from the Battle of Vimy Ridge to Canada’s role in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France, in 1944, from our leadership in the liberation of the Netherlands at the end of the Second World War to our contributions in Afghanistan. And we’ve played a big part in countless military battles and peacekeeping missions in which members of the Canadian forces have proudly represented our country.
I’ve written about my deep admiration for those who have served, and I know I’m far from the only one who feels that way.
And I’ve written about how we need to be there for the modern-day veterans, who continue to deal with the trauma associated with what they have seen and the actions they were forced to take in the name of survival and their country.
All too often we haven’t done enough for our soldiers once they return home, and the result is mental health issues, homelessness and even tragedy.
I also know that it’s due to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, that we have the freedoms we enjoy, including freedom of the press, with the ability to express opinions that I do, in the way that I do, without concern of reprisal from authorities.
There’s a lot to think about on Remembrance Day – why we observe it, what it means to each of us, and why we continue to mark it each year.
I remember, when I was young, it didn’t carry the significance for a lot of people that it should have. In B.C., it was a day that people used to sleep in, or get a head start on their Christmas shopping.
Sure, there was a community Remembrance Day service, usually hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion, and each of the schools would do something to mark Nov. 11.
But you’d never hear talk about not having Christmas decorations up before Nov. 11, or not starting Christmas shopping before Nov. 11, or not having stores open before noon on Nov. 11. For far too many people, it was just another day off.
The War in Afghanistan changed a lot of people’s perspectives. For my generation and for those younger than me, it was that first combat mission Canada was really involved with. War was no longer something that belonged to my parents’ generation or my grandparents’ generation.
We saw Canadians killed while serving their country. It was jarring.
The murder of two Canadian soldiers in one week on Canadian soil in late October 2014 reinforced the importance of Remembrance Day for many. They created a tremendous outpouring of support, poppy sales were up in many communities, and the crowds for Remembrance Day services in Estevan were the largest they had been in years.
It’s unfortunate that for the second straight year, we won’t be able to gather as a community for a Remembrance Day service, but it’s also understandable why the local legion is opting for the virtual service as opposed to an in-person gathering, even if we aren’t bound by the restrictions that were in place a year ago.
People are being asked to watch the ceremony on the legion’s Facebook page or on Access Now. A few people will be allowed to meet at the cenotaph in downtown Estevan for the service and for the laying of wreaths.
Last year’s service worked out fine at the cenotaph, although it was a rather chilly day. For those who want an outdoor service, the weather was a reminder as to why an indoor service at the Comp. isn’t such a bad idea.
Last year’s service was also considerably shorter than it’s been in the past.
Regardless of whether you’re at the service at the cenotaph, or watching it online, please take the time to view it and reflect.
It’s not just a normal day off, or a chance to take care of some Christmas shopping, or an opportunity to get some work done around the house or in the yard.
We can never forget what others have done for us.
