I always find it difficult to write about Remembrance Day, not because I don’t know what to say, but because I have so many thoughts and emotions about it and I don’t know how to convey them to show how much this day means to me.
It’s my fear that people don’t understand the magnitude of what Remembrance Day means as a Canadian. The truth is, without this day and the history behind it, our lives would be catastrophically different. Anyone who values their life, the ability to do whatever and be whoever they want, and the freedom to speak their minds can do so because of the sacrifices that our men and women have given for this great country.
My feelings on Canada’s stance towards immigration are no secret. If you come to this country and are allowed to live here, you are damn lucky and, as such, must conform to OUR ways of life. Those who abuse that right and complain about our national anthem, the focus on Christian ideology, and the perceived lack of respect for different cultures are disrespecting not only the foundation of our country, but the lives of those who fought for that very right to complain. My anger and disappointment in the Canadian government stems from the fear that those who have given their own lives, freedom, and sense of self will ultimately be in vain. It is our job to ensure that that those sacrifices will NEVER be in vain. That they will never, ever be forgotten.
The men and women of the Canadian military not only suffered physical wounds or died for their country, but they also live with the mental scars that war etches in their minds. Post traumatic stress and depression plague more service men and women than is widely known – just because physical wounds heal does not mean that the mental wounds of witnessing death and destruction heal, as well. The effect of war does not end with Armistice Day – just as we still reap the benefits of their sacrifices, so too do the military men and women feel the impact of all they saw and did. They suffered so that we don't have to.
Bravery comes in all forms. For every single person who fought and continues to fight, their families and friends are left behind to get through each day with the fear that, one day, they might hear their worst nightmare confirmed – their loved one is never coming home. To be strong in the face of that fear is a battle in itself.
I don’t know if I will ever find the words to show thankful I am to our veterans and active duty military personnel, or how proud I am to be Canadian. I can only hope that each and every Canadian never forgets the sacrifices that Canadians before them gave so that we can live free.
Lest we forget.
Love,
Bella
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