Latest Updates
 |
|
Note: the editors of this site reserve the right to remove or edit comments that contain foul language or racial epithets.
Be Active in Remembering
Dave Gordon - Thursday, 11 November, 2010
From Thornhill Liberal |
At this time each year, poppies bloom on every lapel. Unfortunately, many people have become inured to the symbol and its meaning.
Created to mark their sacrifices made for freedom, Remembrance Day should be a solemn day when we take time to honour those who died or gave of themselves for this country and future generations.
Rather than observing a perfunctory moment of silence, we need to find active ways to remind us of the World Wars' victory over evil.
A memory dies without ritual; its meaning is lost without dedicated action.
During the ritual of the Passover seder, for example, Jews recount the exodus from Egypt - doing so as if they themselves were slaves under Pharoah.
So, too, we must imagine what it was like for a 19-year-old soldier dodging snipers on Nazi territory, never having killed before, but aiming his rifle bravely.
We must imagine those infantry soldiers who first peered through the gates of numerous death camps just after the Allies liberated them.
Remembrance Day must be marked by our words and actions. The least we can do is commemorate the anonymous souls who sacrificed for us.
How we express our appreciation is as much for us - as this generation - four generations removed.
Remembrance Day should be at least as important as Thanksgiving, where we fill our tables and our bellies while offering thanks. It should be at least as important to our nation as Canada Day, Victoria Day and Labour Day - when we celebrate in happier ways.
One way to perpetuate remembrance is to talk to a veteran or a Holocaust survivor or have them share their memories and experiences.
Invite a speaker to your group or ask a great uncle to describe his war years to your family. Learn the stories, as our "talking history books" will not be around too much longer.
Attend ceremonies with co-workers or family members. Your actions remind others you offer tribute to the memory of those who sacrificed.
When you see a man or woman in military uniform on the street or at a recruiting kiosk, don't pass by and pretend they don't exist. Look them in the eye and thank them for their service.
And when they are old enough to understand, tell your children about the wars we've fought and about those who are still fighting for freedoms today.
Make this your mission this Remembrance Day. Let us remember them. |
|
