On the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th hour in the year 1918, two sides signed an agreement to end a world war that lasted four years with over 40 million casualties - 9.7 million military and 10 million civilians lost their lives.
World War II was from 1939 – 1945 six years with an estimated 60 million casualties, which included 20 million military and 40 million civilians.
There are other wars, other days, other years…many people have died fighting a cause they believed in, and some were casualties of a war they had no say in.
Today, when I look at the world around me, I think of all the people who are fighting for their country, their beliefs, their freedom. Some of the fighting I don’t understand why. Nor do I understand the pictures that I see of people who have lost their families and friends to senseless acts of violence.
At 11:00 am on November 11th we will have two minutes of silence to remember and reflect on the sacrifices our Armed Forces, Police Force, Nurses, Doctors, and Civilians who made the ultimate sacrifice. These are the casualties of war. They have names and faces and families that love and miss them.
Please this November 11th, remember to bow your head at 11:00 for 2 minutes and remember our Heroes – our military forces.
Remember and appreciate all that they have done for us. Without them we would not have the freedom to live in a country that we can travel from province to province, coast to coast. To do as we desire and when we desire. The freedom to speak and not fear repercussions, the right to an education regardless of our gender, the right to our faith and beliefs. Really, the freedom to be who we are or want to be.
But also, remember the passing of the children, the mothers and fathers who were “at the wrong place at the wrong time”. Our doctors and nurses who are fighting to save lives or died fighting to save lives. Please, take time to reflect, to honour, to thank and to remember them as well.
We encourage our Staff, Family and Friends to purchase a poppy. To be worn on the left lapel area of their coat or shirt…. over their hearts in remembrance.
Please, this Remembrance Day don’t just remember those who have fallen but remember those who have survived.
The Veterans Association Food Bank is in desperate need for donations. What ever you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
18504-111 Ave. NW Edmonton 1-833-422-8387.
