What does Remembrance Day mean to you personally?
Remembrance Day has held a special place in my heart as long as I can recall. I have had family members serve in the military, including my father who served in the Her Majesty's Royal Canadian Navy on a mine sweeper. From an early age I became at least somewhat aware of the sacrifice that was made for the freedom we enjoy. My dad got me interested in Navy League and Sea Cadets, and from age 10 to 16, I was part of the organization in Yorkton. This afforded me the opportunity to take an active part in the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, get to know some of the Veterans, and gain a greater understanding of what they went through. Learning then and knowing now, that most were the age or younger than my children currently are, makes an even larger impact on me.
What is your personal most significant memory associated with Remembrance Day?
Likely one of my most significant memories took place when I was a young father and we were attending the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony with my kids. I believe I had just seen a very graphic documentary about World War 2. As we watched the elderly veterans walk in, and we listened to the very emotional sound of the bagpipes, I had a vivid picture of these men, now older, fighting in their late teens and early twentiesbeing injured and their friends dying, for our freedom. Then I considered how quickly my kids were growing and soon would be the age of these men when they fought. It was an overwhelming and emotional realization. Often since that day, when I hear the pipes, especially when marching with veterans, the feeling returns.
Why is pausing each year to mark the contributions of our veterans important?
Many have made the "ultimate sacrifice. My favorite scripture reference at Remembrance Day is John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends."
It is very important to pay respects to our military and reflect on why they served, and continue to serve. It alarms me that so many do not realize the sacrifices these people and their families have made and continue to make, physically and emotionally for our freedom, and do not see the need to remember and pay respect. We also must be mindful that veterans are not just "older" people as we once thought, and this is obvious when we see some of the younger veterans at Remembrance Day ceremonies. With the conflict around the globe, we now see "new veterans" returning home. I feel the very people who are most vocal against our military are only able to voice their opinions because of the freedom they enjoy due to the sacrifice of the very people they oppose. To remember "those who gave all", and show respect for our veterans and those serving today, for one day, is the very least we can doI love the bumper sticker, "If you don't stand behind our military, try standing in front!"
I believe if we don't reflect on the mistakes and conflicts of the past we are bound to repeat them. People think the atrocities of history are just thathistory. We must pause to remember, and remind ourselves to do everything possible not to allow them to happen again.
What does Remembrance Day mean to you personally?
It's a time when I tend to reflect upon and appreciate the service to our country provided by both past and present members of the Armed Forces.
I think about members of my family who served - young men who answered the call to serve and left behind their homes and families.
What is your personal most significant memory associated with Remembrance Day?
As a child, the palpable sadness of my grandparents and their friends around Remembrance Day as they remembered their brothers, cousins and friends who did not come home. I heard more stories about those young men then, than at any other time of the year.
Why is pausing each year to mark the contributions of our veterans important?
I feel it demonstrates to our veterans, whether from World War 2, the Korean War or more recent conflicts, our appreciation for all that they endured. And perhaps pausing for just a few minutes enables each of us to reflect and appreciate our quality of life.
What does Remembrance Day mean to you personally?
For me personally Remembrance Day is a time I think about my dad more than usual. My father was a veteran of WWII, and he passed away many years ago, but at this time of year I remember comments he would make about the war and stories he shared. Dad didn't really talk much about the war, but he would on occasion.
What is your personal most significant memory associated with Remembrance Day?
My most significant memories of Remembrance Day are the first years I can remember going to the services with my dad, and when his friends would come over to the house following the services and talk about experiences and men who didn't come home.
Why is pausing each year to mark the contributions of our veterans important?
Pausing to remember to mark the contributions of our veterans is very important; the message of "Lest We Forget" is there to remind us not only of the contributions and sacrifices men and women made so we can have a good life today, it is also to remind us to be vigilant. Peace is not a given, we only have to look around the world to see that. Sometimes you have to fight to stand up for your country and a way of life you believe in and want for your country. We need to remember so that we will be vigilant about protecting our way of life.
What does Remembrance Day mean to you personally?
Remembrance Day has been a time for families to take time to recognize all those individuals who have sacrificed their lives to give us the freedoms that we take for granted each day. Having been involved with providing the music for the Community Remembrance Day Service directing the Yorkton Community Concert Band for the past 20 years, it has also been a time to recognize those in uniform: police officers, firefighters, and military, and youth training programs: Cadets, Boy Scouts and Guides. It has been a special day of reflection.
What is your personal most significant memory associated with Remembrance Day?
In 2010, the Adult Jazz Band that I directed, performed a "Tribute to the Veterans" show which included many of the WW I and WW II songs at the Painted Hand Casino. We had the Royal Canadian Legion members piped in as an Honor Guard and as special VIP guests. During the performance we had war photos and video clips of local veterans shown on large screens. It was the emotion shown by many veterans and their families in attendance, the reality of what they had sacrifice and lives that had been lost. It really brought it to a personal level participating in preparation and producing of a Veterans book.
Why is pausing each year to mark the contributions of our veterans important?
War used to be a distant activity that few of my generation had ever experienced. Now we are continually made aware of wars around the world on an hourly basis which continue to involve Canadian Military. I think it is even more important now than ever that we take a moment to realize how horrific a war is not only for military personnel but for the countless lives that are lost.
What does Remembrance Day mean to you personally?
Remembrance Day is a special tribute to our freedom due to the sacrifices made by men and women. These veterans gave us the gift of freedom and a quality of life that is the envy of the world. As my father was a veteran, the pride and respect that I have for him and fellow veterans cannot be expressed by words alone on just one day of the year. Long after the battle in the trenches of war veterans built our communities by staying true to their beliefs and standing for what is right.
What is your personal most significant memory associated with Remembrance Day?
As a young Cadet I marched in many Remembrance Day parades with the veterans. Standing in the bitter cold and snow at the Cenotaph I would play the Last Post on the trumpet. I would reflect that the few minutes we shivered in the cold was nothing compared to the conditions that veterans encountered during the war. Years later, I witnessed a very emotional Last Post during my father's funeral. Veterans, both young and old, slowly and peacefully marched up to a large wreath where they pinned a poppy, stepped back, and standing tall saluted the memory of my father. At that moment I was overcome with endearing respect and overwhelming appreciation for the strength of veterans who during times of war had to say good bye to fellow soldiers and friends that gave their life for freedom.
Why is pausing each year to mark the contributions of our veterans important?
I recently had the opportunity to hear General Rick Hillier of the Canadian Armed Forces speak passionately about a new generation serving in the armed forces. General Hillier's stories of leadership and commitment from these soldiers provides comfort and peace for us knowing these men and women are willing to sacrifice all they have for our freedom. Remembrance Day is important for us to recognize our veterans and those in the field today who risk their lives for us. We also need to take this time to honor the mothers and fathers who have a son or daughter enlisted. May God Bless all those who serve.
