WHY IS REMEMBRANCE DAY SPECIAL TO ME?

WHY IS REMEMBRANCE DAY SPECIAL TO ME?

Yesterday was November 11, Remembrance Day. I don’t really know why, but I always feel very emotional on that day. I have not lost any family members nor friends during any of the wars and conflicts that have occurred around the world, so I do not have a close personal connection to the sadness of Remembrance Day.

I have attended services over the years both indoors and outdoors, in Canada and one year in London. I am always moved and affected by the solemnity of the events. In the last few years, I have limited myself to the televised ceremonies but they are always very meaningful. Upon a little reflection, I have determined some of the reasons for my emotions.

Remembrance Day is probably the most unifying day we ever celebrate together as a country. All Canadians are connected by recalling the sacrifices of our young people during wars in the distant past and in current times. Canadian servicemen and women belong to us all. They do not represent a particular part of our country or province, they are linked together with us only as Canadians. Boundaries, language, political views, professions, race or religion are not considered when we take the time to honour our fallen soldiers. I always feel more unified with all other Canadians at this time than at any other.

The only other time when my Canadian patriotism is elevated more than usual is during the Olympics. I am always proud to support our Olympic athletes for their successes, but even the Olympics have experienced some moments of embarrassment or political interference. Remembrance Day has never been tainted in any of my experiences.

The second reason, I think, that Remembrance Day is so moving to me is the sincerity and honesty that is on display during any ceremony. It is not an entertaining event, it is a solemn occasion to be serious, reflective, and thankful. There is no room for pretense, nor phony sincerity. No games are being played and no one is trying to gain an upper hand. Remembrance services are the one time when those in attendance maintain a humble and low-key presence, no matter what their status or rank in society. Everyone is unified in paying tribute to those who have died for their country, without any other agenda or motive.

Lastly, I think, that as I mature, Remembrance Day services take me back to my childhood that was just emerging from WW2. The radio services I listened to with my parents were taken very seriously and we shared them together as a small family. In the 1940s, life was much simpler and the world was a distant concept that I knew little about. Today, we live in a much more complex, highspeed world, that does not often allow us the time to simply reminisce or reflect on the past. On November 11, I can again return to the simplistic days of my youth and quietly reconnect to the thankful feelings we had as a family to celebrate that The War was over.

Remembrance Day will always be a very special occasion for me.