We Remember

Back in August I wrote about my experiences visiting Belgium this summer. I think it's important that we take time to remember the sacrifices that people have made for our country. Typically, we remember those who served our country in a military fashion. But there are also those who served at home, in some capacity or another. Many women served this country by working in the munition factories. Likewise, men who were not accepted into the military served at home, often by doing essential jobs that had been left vacant by those who had gone overseas. Important to remember these people as well.

Red poppies for remembrance

You may recall last October when gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau stormed Centre Block in Ottawa after shooting Nathan Cirillo. Then Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers was the one who saved the day by taking down Zehaf-Bibeau. Vickers later recalled while giving a speech that the day he was interviewed for the position of Director of Security for the House of Commons, that as he walked up to the building, he saw a father and son playing Frisbee on the front lawn. It was a sight he wanted to protect.

White poppies for peace

It is because of men and women like Vickers and Cirillo that we have the freedoms we do today. War is much different today, compared to what it was 100 years ago. Gone are the days of rat infested trenches. Modern technology has greatly changed the way war is conducted. Trying to remember and honour something that has not had a direct impact on your life can be difficult. It's hard to wrap your head around the idea of how many millions of people have died for our freedom. However, because of these people, we have the right to free speech, and assembly. And we're able to conduct yoga classes on the lawn of Parliament Hill on warm summer days.

Purple poppies for the animals who served

 Many of the things we take for granted in this day and age we have because brave people stepped up, and did what they felt was right. It is only right, on our end, that we remember and honour their service to our country.