The start of November is a sacred time of year where our country takes the time to honour and thank veterans for the role they played in securing our country's democracy, and freedom across the world.
This year their sacrifices have taken on new meaning as our freedoms have become all the more valued due to the experience of COVID-19.
Looking at the military history of Canada, we can be proud of the countless sacrifices that have been made to keep people around the world safe.
For 153 years, Canada has proven to be a country ready to step up and do its best to help those in need across the globe.
The First World War was when Canada proved its merit.
There are innumerable inspiring stories from the front lines, including Vimy Ridge, which demonstrates the courage of our country's soldiers.
Hundreds of thousands of valiant Canadians left behind all they knew to fight on behalf of their country.
Soldiers once again answered the call to action in the Second World War, rallying together to end the reign of the Third Reich and fascism's rampage of terror in Europe.
Countless young Canadians travelled across the oceans to take action against a power that would have left this world in ruins.
One need only read the harrowing tales of D-Day when the allies landed in Normandy on Juno Beach to appreciate the danger these brave young soldiers faced.
They stood tall and took action to ensure that future generations would know a world of peace, and Canada has continued that legacy with countless peacekeeping missions.
Our role on the world stage as keepers of peace now spans generations of veterans who have served around the globe.
From the Korean War in the 40s to Cyprus in the 60s-90s, to the Rwandan genocide from 1993-1996, to Bosnia from 95-2000, and more recently in Afghanistan and Iraq, Canadian military veterans have proven their commitment to securing freedom for all.
These missions have left injuries both seen and unseen on brave Canadian veterans.
Remembrance Day serves as our opportunity to honour the sacrifices they have made and look to them as role models for serving a cause outside oneself.
Veterans teach us the role we all have to play in taking action to support the greater good of all.
That idea of looking after all Canadians and citizens of the world has become all the more important in 2020— Now is the time for us to be brave and stand up for what is right.
For many in the Cochrane community, we have never known greater uncertainty— Due not only the upheaval created by the COVID-19 virus, but the political uncertainty our American neighbours are now facing.
We do not know what our future holds, and the coming months will be ones of uncertainty and fear— But, we must keep the lessons taught to us by our veterans close to our hearts.
This Remembrance Day, take time to honour their longstanding legacy in our country, and in doing so ask yourself what actions you can take to support your community.
The words “Lest We Forget” have never been more important.
Go forward this year with the same bravery and courage our veterans had before us— Their example can be our inspiration.
