As we draw closer to Remembrance Day 2020, I can't help but feel saddened.
I am saddened that traditional November 11th ceremonies have been scaled back drastically or cancelled altogether.
While I fully respect the need to protect the health and safety of the public and specifically the health of our veterans, the decision to cancel Remembrance Day ceremonies seems short-sighted.
Canada is home to vast open land masses and one would think that we could capitalize on this in order to hold ceremonies in accordance with local health guidance.
Western society has engaged in many dangerous activities throughout 2020 in a self-destructive pursuit to erase our past. Statutes have been toppled and defaced statutes. Cancelled culture has become commonplace. Accomplishments of the past have been ignored.
Canada is not perfect, no country is. Regardless of what has occurred in our past, history should be remembered. Dangerous rhetoric should be analyzed and used as the foundation of discussion for change. Heroes should be celebrated, not forgotten or disrespected.
As we are now seventy-five years removed from the end of World War II, the number of veterans alive to tell first-hand stories of bravery and courage dwindles with every passing year.
We must remember the choices of the past that led to division, war and destruction. We must celebrate those who sacrificed everything so that we might enjoy the freedoms that we so readily take for granted in 2020.
If you are unable to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in your region, take the time to remember. Consider donating to The Royal Canadian Legion. Wear your poppy with pride.
Lest we forget.
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