Tomorrow marks the day when we pause to remember ‘The War to End All Wars’ — and the many wars that have followed since.
We remember the men and women in uniform, who have served overseas in countless ways — protecting innocent citizens in harm’s way, or fighting against nations bent on world domination.
Most Canadians born today are blessed to know little of war, or its consequences.
We have grown up in a peaceful country, one that is far removed from the ravages of war. We don’t have any idea what it is like, and for this, we are thankful.
When we look back at the First and Second World Wars, it is difficult to think of it as anything more than part of our history, something that happened a long time ago.
And yet, the stories of death, destruction and mayhem, of children growing up without their fathers, of mothers trying to make ends meet while their husbands fought, were all lived by real people. While many of our veterans are no longer with us, their stories are part of who we are today.
Our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents lived this story, and are who they are because of what they lived through. Our nation is what it is, in part because of the sacrifices that have been made by our men and women in uniform.
In Waterloo Region, we also take time to remember the conscientious objectors, the men who, as a matter of conscience, felt they could not take up weapons to kill another, regardless of the reason.
Our nation has been built by these men as well, who served in various CO camps throughout Canada, including building parts of the Trans-Canada highway.
Whether you agree with their sentiments or not, they, too, are part of the story we should remember, each and every Remembrance Day.
And, finally, we think of the men and women in our Armed Forces who are currently serving overseas. While our combat mission in Afghanistan is over, these men and women are still putting their lives on the line, in an effort to make the world a safer place.
Tomorrow, take the time to honour the two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.
While it will not change the fact that war is still a part of our world, it is a good thing to take the time to remember, to honour those who have fought, so that we may enjoy freedom today.