Let’s give a warm welcome to November! You know what that means! Christmas is just right around the corner! But do you know what else is right around the corner? Remembrance Day!
This year, Remembrance Day lands on Wednesday, November 11th. This is the day that we all remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect us.
This is the day that members of the armed forces (soldiers) are commemorated. This is the day we remember.
To start off this post on a high note, here is a little fun fact, the other common name for this day is Armistice Day which marks the date and time when armies stopped fighting on November 11th at 11am in 1918 (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month) marks the end of the first world war in the UK – this date and time was made into Remembrance Day in commonwealth countries.
All across the country, government organizations as well as others are paying their respects and gratitude and different ways. For example, civilians most likely donate money in exchange of a poppy to wear on the left side of their chest (closest to the heart of course!) and ceremonies and parades are scheduled in cities across the Lower Mainland, offering residents a chance to remember.
Aside from pinning on a poppy and participating in ceremonies, however, there aren’t many ways civilians can show their support for Canadian soldiers. That’s the moving force behind Mission Transition, which is a 5km walk or 10km run presented by Enactus BCIT! Mission Transition will take place this year on November 28, 2015 at Central Park, Burnaby (located by Kingsway and Patterson Avenue). It starts at 10 am! The objective of the event is to raise scholarship funds for current and former military members transitioning into civilian life to pursue their educational goals. All ages are welcome and encouraged to participate in this event! Take your dog for a walk, or if you prefer, a run, and join us give as we give thanks to those who have protected us with love!
With that being said, on November 11th when you wear your poppy, and make sure that you do, wear it with pride and respect for our country. Every time you see a poppy, think about how grateful we should be for all the heroes who have served our country and those who continue to do so each day, both here at home and on foreign soil. Do not let November 11th be just another day. Give a minute of silence to those who gave their lives and salute all those who fought to keep our freedom, and who continue each day to keep our land strong and free.
By John McCrae
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.