When I was in school, the teacher’s answer for “why we observe Remembrance Day” was, “Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed by Canadians and other members of the commonwealth since the end of the first world war to remember all those who fight and died in the line of duty to keep us free.”
As a young boy, I agreed with this, and I would attend every ceremony I could. Today, Remembrance Day means something different to my family and me.
Today I am a veteran.
Today WE are the veterans.
In the past, for many of us, war was a phenomenon seen through a television camera or journalists which were in different parts of the world. Remembrance Day has meant so much more these last few years for brothers and sisters who served. Not only have the recent wars, including Afghanistan, touched the lives of Canadians of all ages, but it has also touched all races and all social classes.
Nowadays, I remember what happened overseas every day, not just on Remembrance Day. On November 11th, I will remember their sacrifice and service. I will remember the brave men and women who fought alongside me to preserve our beautiful country. These heroes made a significant difference in their courage, and their sacrifices will never go forgotten.
When I reconnect with my fellow soldiers, we often tell funny stories, and smiles go around as everyone remembers the camaraderie. Painful stories also come out; however, we try to focus on the good. I want to remember my brothers and sisters being as confident and heroic as they were in battle. I choose to remember them on November 11th and give thanks for allowing me to live a safe and fulfilled life.
I understand, as a veteran, that it could take years to pass the mourning of your experience overseas and during the war. I want to reach a point where I say “happy Remembrance Day” to people. I know that in the past, for me, Remembrance Day has been a sad, gloomy day. As a veteran, I realized that instead of avoiding certain things and separating my family was not healthy for me.
I decided a couple of years ago to start positively celebrating Remembrance Day. I by no means show any disrespect. Instead, it’s the opposite. My friends who paid the ultimate sacrifice were kind, caring, outgoing, and amazing people. I believe they would want me to remember them that way and celebrate the life they gave for my/our freedom. In this sense, I have decided every Remembrance Day to celebrate with my family and add some light where there was once darkness. Last year my kids baked sugar cookies in the shape and color of a poppy. We then went to the Remembrance Day ceremony to pay our respects. After the ceremony, we all went out to lunch to celebrate the life we have today.
This remembrance encourages everyone to not only remember those who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice but also try to find a good in being thankful for what a beautiful country we still have. I hope you remember and know that your life matters wherever you are on this Remembrance Day.
-1RCR