WEYBURN - November 11th is always a somber and humbling day for me, as I remember those who served our country.
Honouring our veterans, living and passed, retired and currently serving, is something we do as a community and, indeed, as a country.
Our children have Remembrance Day assemblies in the schools. We attend the ceremonies planned by the Legion and place wreaths at the cenotaph.
Poppies are worn to show our respect and support for our fallen.
In Flanders Field is recited across the nation and we are moved to tears.
Both my grandfather and my father served, in WW1 and WW2 respectively. I thank them for their service.
Each of them returned home safely, however my grandfather was injured in France. He was hit by shrapnel in the hip.
It’s hard for me to picture the silver haired Granddad of my youth, as a 5’5” young soldier in active duty, or being tended to by a medic.
Many of us have similar stories of family members that served in one capacity or another. The freedom we enjoy and the opportunities we have to live, work and worship without fear because of the sacrifices of our ancestors is a sobering thought. How many of us would be so willing to leave our families and homes, not knowing if we would return?
On Friday, we will be observing a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. We will remember the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.
We will remember...
