On Remembrance Day, each year, it is always powerful to watch the men and women of the Legion march in the parade and hear their voices rise to sing O Canada. Witnessing this every year is a valuable experience each time it takes one back to try and imagine the bravery it took to go into battle and fight for freedom.
The sea of felt poppies that cover the hearts of veterans and those who attend Nov. 11 activities is something to be seen as well. The red poppy is a timeless symbol of sacrifice, there is nothing else that can capture this idea the same way.
For myself, when I see these veterans, I think of the past wars but more specifically the liberation of the Netherlands. Growing up, having a Dutch background and coming from a Dutch community, I heard stories in school and at home from Opas and Omas (grandparents) about how overwhelmingly happy the Dutch were when the Canadians came rolling through the towns and countryside after a long time of Nazi occupation.
They rejoiced in the streets, danced, celebrated and cried from joy from receiving back their freedom and welcomed the Canadians with open arms.
Stories from battles such as Vimy Ridge in 1917 give Canadians a great reason to celebrate and be proud of our veterans. One of the most proclaimed successes of Canadian soldiers was this battle. The world felt it was hopeless to take the ridge from the enemy but the Canadians conquered the impossible.
These stories give a sense of patriotism to Canadians and remembering them can shed hope on the current wars around the world where Canadians are stationed.
It may be difficult for the present generation to see the value of Remembrance Day because all that is seen of past and present wars is on television, we are virtually untouched by what has happened yesterday and today.
Being mainly untouched by war should make us not take our current way of life, our freedom, for granted, but as Canadians, it seems that we do not uphold freedom as it should be.
It is important that Remembrance Day services around the world be well attended, we should not take our freedom for granted and if we don’t recognize the sacrifice we will be in danger of losing Canadian unity and the memory of those who have fought.
With each year, the number of war veterans becomes less and less and the heroic, interesting and valuable stories of these men and women will be carried on through a book or family members. Right now, we have living Canadian history and that should be recognized and respected.
Our local Legion works hard to keep the memories alive and educate young people on the importance of remembering. The Legion members do outstanding things in Ponoka and have supported numerous causes and organizations.
I encourage everyone in Ponoka to take their friends and families to the Remembrance Day parade on Nov. 11 at 10:15 a.m. and go to the special service at the legion at 10:45 a.m.
The importance of Remembrance day is enhanced in a way because Canada is also forming a new line of veterans with the war in Afghanistan. They are far from home, dedicated to their work and trying to make peace in a war-torn country. Although the Canadian army’s focus is not to fight against the Taliban, they are doing great work in a dangerous setting. To date there have been around 100 Canadian soldiers who have lost their lives doing their job. With the past, present and future wars our Canadian young men and women have made our nation proud and so this Nov. 11 let’s show our gratitude and appreciation and remember those who have and are serving our country in a great way.