Throughout the North Okanagan, ceremonies will be held today to pay tribute to those who fought on behalf of Canada in two world wars and other conflicts.
In many cases, those soldiers, sailors and pilots never returned to their parents, spouses or children. Their dreams and potential were lost to the entire nation.
Others came back, but mental and physical injuries created significant challenges for them, as did reintegrating into daily home life after being away for so many years.
Unfortunately, war is still a reality in our world and Canadian soldiers have done their duty in Afghanistan in recent years. That means, that those same issues and challenges faced by our veterans in the Second World War and Korea have been repeated by their modern-day counterparts.
As you go about your daily lives — whether it’s hanging out with your kids, going to work or simply reading this newspaper — consider how your world would be different if those sacrifices hadn’t been made on our behalf.
Value the freedom we have all been given.
One way to do that is to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony today. Gatherings are scheduled for Enderby, Armstrong, Vernon, Coldstream, Lavington, Lumby, Cherryville and Lake Country.
And if you are unable to do that, at least pause at 11 a.m. to consider those who served and those who continue to serve.
Lest we forget.
