In that brief period between Halloween and Christmas, Remembrance Day comes about as a time to pause and think about the sacrifices those in the Canadian Armed Forces have made for this country.
Whether they served as reservists, in the air force, navy, coast guard, what have you, they deserve our gratitude.
Oftentimes when we think of Remembrance Day, we think of those who served in the First and Second World Wars.
Sometimes we forget to acknowledge — or at least it’s not the first thing that comes to mind — those who didn’t go overseas but made sacrifices nonetheless.
The Korea War, the conflicts in the Middle East, peacekeeping missions. We remember those too.
These brave individuals said to themselves that they would put their own lives at risk, to see and do things that no one should ever have to do in order to protect those at home.
It is hard to come back from something like that and not be changed.
Now more than ever we should be grateful for the peace we have here in our country and the sacrifices that are made to this day to have it.
No matter where you look, conflicts are everywhere in this world and even in our own backyards.
What it means to live in a place where you fear for your safety, fear being attacked, or fear your freedoms will be taken away to preserve safety are thoughts that are closer to home than they have been for a long while.
Fortunately most of us can say we live in a country that is safe and where we aren’t afraid to leave our homes.
Westlock and area will have plenty of opportunities to show you remember, whether it is at the No Stone Left Alone ceremony at the Westlock Cemetery Nov. 8 or at Nov. 11 Remembrance Day ceremonies around the county.
So when you see volunteers giving away poppies, take one and wear it proudly as a silent show that you remember.
If you see a veteran or Armed Forces personnel, thank them for their service.
