This Sunday, Nov. 11, we will take the day to remember and recognize those who have died in the line of duty, serving our country and defending its people and way of life. Nov. 11 marks the end of the First World War, which ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, and was, up to that point, the most costly conflict in human history.
On the fields of Flanders, in France, countless men and women gave their lives in the name of freedom. The battlefields where they fought and died grew covered in poppies after the end of the war, and so today we wear a red poppy to remind us of their sacrifice. Remembrance Day and the poppies we wear remind us that the freedoms we enjoy here in Canada are not free at all. Without the valiant sacrifices of those strong souls who gave their lives to protect our rights and freedom, we would not know a peace like we do today. Let us never forget the debt we owe to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and our way of life.
Those who went to war understood that Canadians’ core values and beliefs were being threatened, and we pause to reflect on their bravery in choosing to take up arms to defend them. As we live our lives, many of us tend to take for granted the freedoms that are denied to people in other parts of the world. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, and the freedom to vote are all blessings that we as Canadians are fortunate to have, and on Remembrance Day we should remember to cherish them, for they have been paid for with the ultimate price.
As we remember the sacrifices made for us by selfless people we have never had the chance to meet, let us also remember to thank the many veterans that are still with us, and the men and women currently serving in the armed forces. We owe you all a debt of gratitude which words cannot express.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.
