This past Tuesday, on Remembrance Day, Canadians from across the country came together with the common cause of honouring the men and women who have served our country since its inception. These days it is difficult to find many things that unify different factions of the country and people of various views. But Remembrance Day is something that most Canadians agree is important to observe.
It wasn’t that long ago that there was concern that, with the remaining veterans of World War I and World War II passing away, that there would be a decreased interest in Remembrance Day ceremonies. Judging by the crowds at ceremonies across the country, including here in the southeast, that concern hasn’t yet been realized. Perhaps that is because there are shared values of Remembrance Day that all of us can find agreement in. While there is often disagreement about the nature, cause or value of conflicts in the world, there are still some common aspects that most of us agree upon.
One is that there has been great sacrifice for those that have served their country in our military. Since Confederation, there have been 120,000 Canadians that have lost their lives in battle. The vast majority of those were lost in the first and second World Wars with most of those killed being in their twenties. Many of them never returned home and were instead buried in cemeteries overseas. It is almost impossible to fully comprehend the sacrifice of the young people who were sent overseas to fight in horrific conditions. Or the sacrifice of their families who remained behind and, unlike today, were not able to remain in regular contact with their loved ones. These sacrifices have extended beyond those wars with more recent losses taking place in conflicts like Afghanistan.
Just as all Canadians can appreciate the sacrifice that has been made by so many men and women over the years in service, most also are grateful for what that sacrifice has brought to Canada. We remain one of the best countries to live in the world and the freedom and opportunity that is enjoyed in our country is in large part because of the past service of others. It is impossible not to be grateful for what we have as a result. Similarly, there are many countries around the world that are grateful for Canadians. One example are the people of Belgium who found liberation in WW2 because Canadians fought to secure one of their ports to allow for Allied Forces to free Belgium from German occupation. 800 Canadians lost their life in that battle, many of whom remain buried there today, and the gratefulness of the Belgium people is expressed every year.
In addition to recognizing sacrifice and expressing gratitude, Remembrance Day reminds us to be in prayer for peace. Around the world today, there are many soldiers who are engaged in battle or who have recently returned from one, who carry with them the everlasting scars of war. Even at a time when we remember the sacrifices of war and express our gratefulness, we pray for peace in our world.
With another Remembrance Day complete, we can carry with us throughout the year the common aspects that unite us. Throughout the year we can remember the sacrifices made by others, be grateful for what they gave us, and pray for peace in Canada and around the world.
