My wonderful Nana and Grandad at a Remembrance Day service.
Today is Remembrance Day, an important day. I’ve talked before about two of the gentleman from my family who are part of the reason why I feel it is so important to remember. Today I thought I would share some words from my Nana.
Why do we have Remembrance Day? I remember when, as a child we went to the Cenotaph in West Vancouver, on November 11th to remember those who had died while fighting for our Country during the First World War. In those days we called it Armistice Day, as it was celebrated on the day and the time that WW I ended. The war (they said) to end all wars. I remember my father talking about having been at Vimy Ridge. Then, the Second World War started in late 1939. My future husband went Into the Navy when 17 and spent the last couple of years of the war serving overseas. Then came the Korean War, and as a permanent member of the RCN, he again served during a War. After this came Vietnam and many other conflicts in many countries. These Wars have given us lots of history important to all of us, and they also affected many people in many countries. The fact that War has touched so many people’s lives, I think is a very good reason to remember all those whose lives changed because of war, and especially those who gave up their lives for their countries.
I am very thankful that growing up the history of this day was always shared with me. I always paid attention in history class when talk about these wars came up. Please share about today with your kids, tell them about why this day is so important. Working in schools I have noticed a drastic change. Many elementary school students do not have family members who were part of WWI and WWII, and where we live only some have connections to those who have been a part of the war in Afghanistan. Seeing kids laughing through the Remembrance Day ceremony at school was hard to see, they were definitely spoken to. Don’t let our younger generations forget why this day exists, it is so important to educate them.
Please take time today at 11am to have a moment of silence. Remember the men and women who fought who lived, and died. These people have sacrificed so much. It’s just a small moment that we can offer.