Today is Remembrance Day. I think that it’s essential for all of us to observe this day. It’s one of the days in the year, where I really think about and appreciate Canada. More to the point, I like to recognize how honoured I am to be able to live in this great country. I have had a few experiences that have given me a deeper appreciation for what it is to be Canadian. Some people are out there representing and defending our nation for us, and I have seen some things which deepen my appreciation for them.
Went to Vimy Ridge
Back in 2017, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to France for the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge. This was the first major battle that Canadian Forces were able to fight together on the same battleground. Previously we would have units scattered amongst other British forces. Vimy Ridge was a battle in the First World War that the British had tried to win, and the French had tried to win, but neither could do it. The task had been given to the Canadian Army, and we were able to take the ridge. There is a massive monument there to this day which marks the battle, the lives that were lost, and the achievement of the Canadian Army. If you go there (and I would highly advise it), you will see along the side of the road that now exists there, craters which are large enough to hold a small four-door car. These are the leftovers of the bombs that were being flung while our forces were taking the ridge.
What happened in Belgium
During my Vimy Trip, I was able to go to Belgium. Something that they do there really struck me. During World War 1, major battles that Canadian’s took part in were in Passchendaele and Ypres. During World War 2, Canadian forces were sent to the North of France and to Belgium to liberate them from Nazi Control. They did, and the Belgians have been grateful ever since. Something that happens every single day in Ypres is people gather at the Menin Gate, which lists the names of the people lost during the Battle of Ypres in WW1, and they have a ceremony of remembrance. Every single day since World War 1 ended, they have had this ceremony. I found myself in awe of these people who gathered every day to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who fought for their freedom. I was taken aback when, after the ceremony, locals were shaking hands with each other, and when one of them went to shake my hand, I said thanks in English. He (in English) asked where I was from. When I said I was Canadian, he thanked me for his freedom.
I want to be clear here. I did not fight in either of the world wars (way too young for that), and this gentleman was also not alive for either of them (He was around my age). He was thankful to me for something that happened 100 years ago. It struck me that the gratitude that he showed me was genuine. It was because of the people who came before me and did what they did, that he was able to stand there on that day and shake my hand. Frankly, because of the people who came before me, I was able to be there, shaking his. It’s imperative to be able to remember the people who fought for our freedoms.
Should it be a long weekend?
I hear people saying that it should be a long weekend a lot. I like the fact that it’s not a long weekend. I like the fact that we have to go to school or work, go through your ordinary day, and take time to remember our fallen soldiers. I like it because it’s not an excuse to take time off. It’s not supposed to be. It’s supposed to be a moment to remember the Soldier who fought and continue to fight for our ability to live the way that we do. We should be taking the time to remember how they fought for us, and then get back to work to ensure that we maintain the country that they fought for. It shouldn’t be a long weekend, but what you should do is take the time today to think about those who have served and currently are serving in our armed forces.
Personally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those in our Armed Forces. Thank you so much for signing up for the jobs that you do. Defending our nation is important work, and I am grateful every single day (not just this day) that there are people out there that are doing that for me.
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