In a world as fast-paced as the one we now live, finding time to pause to reflect on anything seems to be increasingly difficult.
We seem always to be only minutes from our next appointment, or task, and when we do manage a few moments of solitude a text message or cellphone call is an all too likely occurrence.
Still there are times we should turn off our electronic devices, forget about the next story we need to write, or bathroom to plumb, and just reflect on things.
Monday will be such a day. It is Nov. 11, Remembrance Day, a day to think about the sacrifices made by men and women in our Armed Forces both in time of conflict, and of peace.
We should all try to be at the Nexera Flexihall Monday to mark ceremonies here because it is important.
For one man in our community the idea of saying thanks to our Armed Forces went far beyond planning to attend Remembrance Day services this year.
Mark Schindel chose to do something special for those who have served. He worked with the Good Spirit School Division, where he is employed as a teacher, with the City of Yorkton, with local businesses and with the Yorkton Terrier Hockey Club to create something special.
Schindel's effort in bringing a rather diverse group together for a single cause is commendable. It shows what one person, with a vision and some drive can accomplish.
Sunday we will see the results of Schindel's efforts at the Terriers' Junior Hockey League game against Kindersley.
To start with there will be some very special guests at the game; the Royal Canadian Legion Honour Guard on-hand for the ceremonial puck drop, reservists with 64 Field Battery, and local sea, air and army cadets. They are the past, present and potentially future of our Armed Forces, and the game will be a way to say thanks to them all.
Thanks to sponsorships the Terriers will be wearing camouflage jerseys in tribute to those who have served.
But that is a one-time thank you, and Schindel wanted something which was more lasting for his community.
So he worked through the channels and gained permission to have one black seat installed amid the sea of red seats at Farrell Agencies Arena.
The plaque on the seat, which will be unveiled Sunday, sums up the sentiment Schindel was focusing his efforts toward.
"This black seat is to honour all the brave and courageous men and women currently serving our country across the world. It is also to create an awareness of out Canadian MIA's and POW's.
"We know many of the aforementioned individuals are hockey moms and dads and fans of our beloved game. They would love to be currently watching the game they enjoy.
"We ask that this seat remain empty for all hockey games and events in the arena."
It is a lasting reminder for our community that what we enjoy in terms of being Canadian has been protected at a great price through the years.
It also shows what one person can accomplish for his community. Many jumped on board to make the events for Sunday a reality, but it was Schindel's vision of supporting our Armed Forces, and his effort to make it happen that brought everyone together.
Our community should say thanks for such efforts. It is another way that moving forward 'We will remember them'.
