November means many things. It brings the chilly weather that lets us know fall has ceded its place to winter. It marks the end of daylight savings, as our days grow shorter, and sun sets earlier. It’s when fans from across the country will have their gaze fixed on Calgary for the 107th Grey Cup. But, most importantly, November is our month of Remembrance.
Leading up to the 11th, Canadians will don the Flanders Poppy as a way to hold true to the promise heard through the words of John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders Fields’ – a commitment to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. More than 100 years have passed since our country earned its place on the global stage through the bloodshed by a generation that shall not be forgotten.
But, as we all know, the ‘War to End All Wars’ gave way to countless further conflicts that called the heroism of Canadians into action.
We must all stand together in remembering all those Canadians who have stood up to the evil and tyranny that has grasped the world. The fights against fascism, against the imposition of communism on a free people, against the scourge of terrorism—Canadians have stood tall and served with distinction, courage, and a tenacity that belies the size of our nation.
From the fields of France to the hills of Korea; the beaches of Normandy and the Plains of Abraham; the streets of Rwanda and the roads of Kandahar—Canadians have answered the call of duty and always fought for what’s right: Freedom, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
As we gather at Remembrance Day ceremonies across our city, we must take time to reflect on the heroism of those who answer the call to serve. As the bell tolls to mark the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, we must stand together and do what we have promised as a nation: We will remember them.
