This day serves as a national reminder for us to honour those who gave their lives for our freedom and peace, paying the ultimate sacrifice.
The word honour comes with great respect and recognizes someone’s courage, achievements or memory. Growing up, we learned the history of Canada’s involvement in the war effort. Sadly, many of us did not learn how much our own city contributed. Through research, I learned that the city of Brantford, had more than 6000 men and women join the armed forces during World War II—that is more than three times the size of my high school. I couldn’t imagine my life without my friends, my teachers and my family. But these brave men and women left everyone they cared for to fight for a war they did not start.
The cenotaph recognizes the brave soldiers from this area and all those who contributed to the war effort. Many people do not know that beyond fighting in the war, the people of this community also helped by supplying materials such as parts for aircrafts and bombers. In Brantford, many of these were produced in the Massey-Harris factory.
Looking around, there are many poppies—on our jackets, on wreaths and on buildings and license plates. These flowers represent the soldiers who fought for us; the colour red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice. The flower is now a symbol of hope, remembrance and peace. The simplicity of this flower and these gatherings give us the opportunity to recognize those who allow us to stand here today.
To me, Remembrance Day is not only about thanking people who have fought but also appreciating the little things in life. The things we take for granted such as: a job, an education, a family. The things soldiers did not get to experience. People who surround us are a constant reminder of their purpose. Even though Remembrance Day is only once a year, we can still remember and be thankful for their sacrifice each day.
As a student, Remembrance Day has given me and many others a chance to learn about its significance, the history of our country, and the many ways our small town contributed to the freedom of our world. I am thankful for this opportunity and I am honoured to have been able to share what I have learned.
So wear your poppy. And continue to appreciate all the small things in life—they came at a great cost.
