When hostilities ended during World War One on November 11th in 1918, I wasn’t even an idea yet. The story was the same for the Second World War—instead, I was safely born into the eighties.
During my lifetime, war has been something that I read about in the paper—it has never affected me directly; it has never touched our family’s doorstep. That being said, I understand and appreciate the luxury of that. That is why November 11th is significant for me—and why it should hold a moment in all of our hearts. Whether you choose to don a poppy, attend a ceremony or simply take a moment of silence, please take a moment to honour our veterans.
This freedom to choose, which we have been afforded, was not in fact, free. With a little over 100,000 Canadians sacrificing their lives in both World Wars (not to mention the countless others lost to peacekeeping, Korea and Afghanistan), it is essential that the youth of today take the time to inform themselves of the efforts that lurk behind the carefree life that we so harmoniously live. For these luxuries I say thank you to all the veterans, both with us and departed, not only on the day of November 11th, but on everyday of our lives in this beautiful country. So on behalf of everyone here at The Gleaner, we say thank you for your service.
