View From the Legislature

As we approach Remembrance Day, this year’s ceremonies will be different than any in recent memory. The large gatherings both locally and in Ottawa at the National War Memorial will be greatly reduced as the pandemic will require there to be far fewer participants and spectators.

While this is a great disappointment for those who plan and attend the ceremonies, it should not stop us from remembering. On this, the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, there are more reasons than ever to be thankful for the sacrifices that so many Canadians made in years past to provide us with a wonderful country to call home.

Over the past many years, even as the number of veterans diminished, the crowds at many Remembrance Day ceremonies have grown. This is a recognition that Canadians, including new Canadians, want to honour the sacrifice that was made by many previous generations. The fact that these ceremonies may not be accessible this year to most Canadians should not prevent the true purpose of Remembrance Day from being honoured. Even in advance, Canadians are again being encouraged to wear a Poppy. This serves both as a visible act of remembrance and respect for our veterans as well as a way to support the efforts of local Legions who have also been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

In addition, many ceremonies will be available to be viewed virtually, either online or broadcast on television. It will be an opportunity for families to be able to both watch the ceremonies and to reflect on their importance. Canadians have found ways to do things differently during this year while still being able to ensure the importance of events and occasions is recognized.

Canadians across the nation have some new understanding from the pandemic of struggle, sacrifice, and uncertainty. To varying degrees these emotions have been felt by everyone during this year. In some ways, they provide us a glimpse into the lives of those who either served during Canada’s conflicts or into the lives of their families. Deep uncertainty and sacrifice were a real part of their lives for many years. So even as Canadians endure this challenge, it will perhaps give us a greater appreciation for those Canadians that we honour during Remembrance Day who demonstrated bravery and sacrifice that is difficult for us to imagine.

This Remembrance Day will in fact be different. It will not look the same as those past. But its meaning is as important as ever and the need for us to participate in the ways in which we can is also as important as ever. The sacrifices that men and women have made in generations past deserve to be remembered and recognized, even as we go through a time of challenge. As we approach November 11th and on Remembrance Day, we can all show our gratitude. Lest we forget.