When I was young, I was always aware of Remembrance Day. I remember lots of cold November Sundays marching in the parade with Girl Guides, and gathering around the cenotaph. In school, I can recall yearly assemblies held- often with Veterans in to speak to us; they brought the history to life.
Now, as I've grown older I've become more aware of that history. What Canadian soldiers did in both world wars was nothing short of heroic. In W.W. I the French, and English tried to take Vimy Ridge, and failed. But the Canadians succeeded, and have been honoured for it with a monument on French soil. In W.W. II, Canadians landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, and ended up gaining the most ground of any allied forces in Occupied France. They fought through Italy, and in Holland when the Nazis finally surrendered their hold on that country, they did so to a Canadian General. This is just some of what we are honouring as we pause today- at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month for two minutes of silence. We will remember them.
In remembering the past today, let's also spare a thought for the future. Canada is still fighting a war in Afghanistan; our soldiers trying to bring the same values to that country, others defended on our behalf so long ago. I have been fortunate enough in the course of my job to meet a Veteran of that conflict. He served one tour there, and would consider serving another. For me, that has put a face on the conflict happening half a world away.
At 11am I thought of the soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, and I thought of the younger faces I saw at the cenotaph. I hope we will listen to the stories of the Afghan Veterans as surely as we listen to the older gentlemen. Because in listening that's the only way we learn.
Spare a thought today or any day for those who fought for our freedom, and those who continue fighting for it.
