Remembrance Day is all that and more

Rob Bernshaw attending 'Lest We Forget' at Jubilee Auditorium*

Rob Bernshaw, Columnist, Pincher Creek Voice

Time marches inexorably onward on its journey to the future of each individual on this wonderful planet.

What that future holds for each of us... time will tell that story.

Remembrance Day, Monday November 11, 2013 is a statutory holiday for everyone in Canada whether they take time out of their day to participate in the many services taking place across this great nation or not.


In the democratic society we are all privileged to live and belong to here.  In Canada there is the opportunity to take time out of our busy lives to remember those that have gone before us(whether alive or  dead). They have provided us that privilege and freedom we so enjoy and so many others strive to emulate across the world community.

We need to remember in order to live in a free and democratic society others have sacrificed much (even their very lives) to provide us what so many take for granted in a Canada free of war and tragedy that people in other countries face every waking moment. One can only imagine how the people in war torn countries feel as they walk down the street not knowing if or when a bomb or bullet will tear them to pieces in an instant.

Everyone around our great planet deserves the same privilege and status we here in Canada are very blessed to have. We need to step up and remember that we are here and have the freedoms we have, only by the grace and sacrifice of others that have come or gone before us. We need to take a strong hold of these privileges and if necessary stand up and continue fighting for the democratic freedoms we so dearly cherish. If we do not continue to remember the sacrifices of others on our journey forward we may one day wake up to a world totally different than the one we so dearly love and live in today.

November 11, 1918  - Armistice Day: Commemoration of the date that the Allied forces of World War 1, signed an agreement(on the llth hour of the llth day of November 1918) with Germany at Compiegne, France. for cessation of hostilities.

Armistice Day is observed by: New Zealand, France, Belgium and Serbia and also coincides with Remembrance Day(or Poppy Day in Commonwealth Countries like Canada) and Veterans Day (United States)


Please be aware that the following video has some graphic scenes that may be disturbing to some.

Remembrance Day is more than remembering the fallen heroes of yester-year.  It is also about remembering the survivors and the great contribution that they provided to the cause of democracy and freedom for all.

So this Remembrance Day of 2013 let us take time out of our day to pause and reflect that by the grace and sacrifice of our fellowmen we are able to participate in the democratic freedoms and lifestyle we have become so accustomed to.

What are we doing to retain our democratic freedoms and the peace in our lives so generously provided to us by who went before us? Are we getting involved in the community around us in whatever capacity we are able to? Are we stepping up and taking part in all levels of government whether running for a position in government or holding our current elected officials accountable to us the taxpayer in order to keep our democratic freedoms alive and well.
In so doing we will graciously honor the people that went before us in the respectful manner they so rightly deserve.

Wear the Red Poppy proud and loud to support and honor the ones who went before.

Lest We Forget...... and lose what we have now.

Photo note: The band behind me (Sat Nov 9, 2013) in the foyer of the Jubilee auditorium is the Wednesday Band of the Cosmopolitan Music Society Bands and Chorus with Rita Burns as the conductor.  'Lest We Forget' was a musical tribute presented by The Royal Canadian Legion.