What does Remembrance Day mean to you and how will you observe it?

Question

What does Remembrance Day mean to you and how will you observe it?

Answer 1

My grandfather was a world war one vet - He was 28 when he went 33 when he came back -

He was told he was too old to go to world war 2 and my grandmother recounted him coming back after trying to join saying he was glad - that in fact he was too old to be shouldering a rifle all day - As a result my mother was one of the few with a father at home for the 2nd war - The 6 yr stretch of single parent homes did not effect her

One of the things I recal was that he would say "war is no good" and that seems somthing forgotten -



War is somthing that turns decent men in monsters it is somthing that should be remembered for what it is and not what Hollywood has turned it into



I am not saying we should back away from it but be fully aware of what it is and know what it does to lives men and women - War is no good -



The gas attacks of the Germans durring the war - the bubbled skin around their lips and nose the mud that was so deep it could swallow a horse into the earth that had been so softened by shell after shell - The stench of rotten feet stood in a trench for weeks on end - The freezing cold the fear the hate



That is war - before you send people off into that hell be sure you know what you are doing and be well aware of what you will get back in the form of brothers and fathers after they come home



The economy was so bad in Canada when my grandfather got back they took the weapons off the men as soon as they could - They were afraid of what those well trained soldiers might do when they discovered what the politicans did in their absence -This is what my grandparents told me I have never read that in a history book at any time - I believe their account over that of the increaseingly "PC" versions of our history



When rememberance day comes I will think of my grandfather who fought for his Monarchy knowing that our youth and our imigrants snear and snip at he out dated stange alligence to Great Britian and I will think how we are now so outnumbered by that attitude -



I will remember my grandmothers father who fought to keep South Africa British whill drinking urine purified in desert sand knowing full well that our politicans prefer Hollywoods versions of history to the lives that went before in Canada



I will remeber that this was a nation built by men who had ethics and went off to fight because it was the right thing to do as I look around at our current society I will wonder if I should apoligise to him for the apparent waste of time



I rarely hear English when out - Our government is no more than an American lap dog Our people snear at the Crown Our legal system is top heavy and represents no one Our taxes are almost proprtionaltely fuedalistic in nature



There are no commoners in the House of Commons and no one knows our own history because it would upset someone somewhere



I will recall the great sacrifice as best I am able to imagine such things - But I will also issue that apology sorry Grampa but somehow we ended up working for the public servants and no one remebers a time when they worked for us



Wish you were here glad you don't have to see this mess

Answer 2

Remembrance day makes me very sad. My father-in-law Jack Fletcher (now deceased) told me some stories of his survival. He used to be very teary eyed around remembrance day remembering his lost comrades. He tread water for two days and nights in the ocean. He was finally spotted by the enemy, they put a rope around him and towed him through the ocean and an infested swamp to land.He was put in the prisoner of war camp, fed nothing but a small portion of rice each day. He worked on building a railroad with the other prisoners. It was very physically challenging. There were poisonous snakes that they would kill and eat to supplement their rice. Jack said the most treasured things the prisoners had was a loin cloth. They talked about dying and whom of their friends would inherit their loin cloth. The war ended and he was sent to a hospital, there he had one lung removed and lived until about 78 years old. I miss him so much, he was very important to me. I work in a school so always celebrate at an assembly. I tell the children what I was told by Jack. They are interested but young and don't really understand but I tell them anyway.

Answer 3

To me Remembrance day is when our country should remember all those who died and fought to save our country. We should remember all the families that were broken apart by loved ones leaving and never returning. Every remembrance day I go to a church service and pray for everyone one and the families and friends of the unfortunate people who died, fighting so there children could live a better life. I think as a country we should all unite in a few minutes silence to remember those who are forgotten by most nearly all year, they made our world what it is to day. We can never repay them for that but we can at least pay our respects.

Answer 4

It reminds me that this beautiful country and our freedom that we enjoy today, comes with a prize.

Too much blood shed, too many deaths, by close or by far, some one lost a loved one. The many that survived the war, was changed forever and lived with too many nightmares.

I can't change anything but for sure I don't take this for granted.

One day a year, to stop, think and be grateful of all those sacrifices, is such a tiny thank you to give.

What breaks my heart is there is still a war that still steals lives and loved ones.

Will it ever end?????

May God bless them all.

Answer 5

the scarifies of my elder kinsmen

Vimy - where it is said Canada finally became Canada

WWII



when the ll ll ll comes I recall the beautiful poem

In Flanders Fields and speak it softly in remembrance for all the soldiers , sailors and airmen who gave so willing and so bravely in so many places that we could live free.

Answer 6

Being on Sunday this year, I won't go to the War Memorial for the service which is what I like to do. I'll be in church for regular Sunday service. I can only hope that our pastor recognizes this day during our service. If he doesn't, I will say my own prayers of thanks and in memory of all those who have lost their lives - and a prayer for their families as well.



There is nothing better than when the Veterans march after the service and the heartfelt applause as they go by. Now with the vets being younger and younger it really means a lot, and it's so much closer.



The WW2 guys are so much older - it's getting harder for them, but they are there regardless of the weather.

I have also been petitioning my local politicians to ensure the retail hours are curtailed. There is no reason for anyone to be shopping until after the Remembrance Day services are over.

Answer 7

When I was a kid growing up in the 1970s, my mother would tell me about her cousin, killed over the Netherlands while serving with the RAF's 21 Operational Training Unit at Moreton-on-Marsh in the UK.



I thought about it a lot and, finally, around 1990, began to research his short life, using some sources I'd found as an aviation history buff, and also the excellent magazine of the Royal Canadian Legion. I eventually found a man in Calgary who'd not only known him in high school in rural Alberta, but who'd trained with him at Edmonton's RCAF initial training school in 1941. I found the curator of the little museum saluting 21 OTU. I found out Michael had a girlfriend and plans for life postwar. I found many other amateur researchers. Those of us who care are by no means alone.



I tell my own children about him.



He died 12 years before I was born, but I think about him a lot. How I wish I'd met him!

Answer 8

It means a great deal, especially since there is only one or is it two surviving WWI vets left!



I find that it doesn't seem to mean as much to new immigrants. They don't seem to have an appreciation of how much we value our freedom as Canadians and how much this great country means to us, and all the sacrifices that people had to make in WW1 and WW2 and subsequent wars.



Perhaps it's also the reality that war and suffering is a part of life these days and that seems to dull the poignancy of this special day of honour and remembrance, but that is even more reason we should remember how terrible war is and to show respect and support our veterans by at the very least buying a poppy and wearing it. What better way to teach others and our children too about how much we value those sacrifices?



I see cadets trying to sell them at local mall entrances, and people wave them off. You don't see many people wearing poppies, just those who always have and always will I guess.



I for one wear mine proudly and have yet to see anyone else, in the supermarket or schoolground or anywhere else I've been this week, wearing one.



If not us moms, dads, teachers, bankers, citizens of this country whose parents and grandparents lived through such horrors, proudly show this support then who?



Wouldn't it be nice for all our soldiers fighting in Afghanistan to know at the very least they are remembered in our thoughts this way.



Soldiers everywhere need to know that we appreciate the sacrifices they've made as do the families of fallen soldiers, who need our support shown in this way.



Love you Christie...I use to read your columns every day! Keep up the great work you are doing. Look forward to reading your book.



And TROUT? God bless your grandpa and men like him. You are right...people in those days had truly had great moral and work ethics, a strong sense of right and wrong, something which is sadly missing in much of the world today. I've heard lots of war stories from my grandma too and it truly was a different era back then.

Answer 9

On Remembrance Day I will be attending the ceremonies in the same building where I used to be a Sea Cadet. It's a smaller ceremony with the Navel Reserves which is good for my kids because they are still little and have no problems sitting for the entire length of it. I've attended ceremonies of all sizes since I was little and I feel it's important for my kids to know what Remembrance Day is all about and to show respect.

Answer 10

As a serving member of the Canadian Forces, Remembrance Day always holds special signifigance for me. It is an opportunity for us to parade with pride, showing our respect for those that went before us, and our pride in the accomplishments of our Regiments. Remembrance Day affords service members, cadets and RCMP officers the opportunity to publicly demonstrate our histories, accomplishments and our fallen comrades.



This year I will be attending the parade and service in Brandon MB, with 2 PPCLI. It is the same group of friends and comrades that were Afghanistan with one of my friends, Cpl Glen Arnold when he was killed while on a patrol. This is going to be a very personal opportunity for me to remember and pay my respects to those of my friends who did not make it home from their respective tours.



As 12 of the 71 fallen soldiers in Afghanistan were friends of mine, Remembrance Day has taken on new meaning for me. Not only will I swell with pride when I recall the Regimental histories, the successes at Vimy, Dieppe, Appeldoorn, Kapyong, the Medak Pocket, but I will also remember those friends, comrades and brothers that made the ultimate sacrifice for those who needed it in Panjuwaii, Pashmoul, Tarnak Farm, Kabul.



Following the parade, as is military tradition, there will be a gathering at one of the local Legion halls, where stories and tales will be traded with veterans of WWII, Korea, Cypress and Bosnia. A moment between former and current soldiers, sailors, and airmen to keep the flame alive, the memories burning bright, and a chance to reminisce with those who understand better than most the sacrifices that are required of uniformed members.



But that is just one man's way of celebrating and remembering.

Answer 11

Remembrance Day is a symbol to which all Free thinkers need to reflect & give thanks & honour those who heed the call to place themselves in harms way for others freedom, and never forget their sacrifices, or history shall repeat itself.



On a personal note: My father, Uncles, & Aunts joined the Military in WWII & their memories of that war taught me about the humility, fragility, honour, courage & strength to which those who died, faught, & did their part to win over human evil.

Every month of November, my pride as a Canadian swells & my empathy bursts for those young souls who lost their lives in all the wars Canadians partook. I esp. well up inside to the waning/wailing of bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" or the "Lament".



As for marking this specific day, some years I go to the services & some not. It is my belief that for the next generations to remember why we should never forget, the Remembrance service is not the solution as the average family pays little attention to this day other than it being a day off for some. Teaching the history of our past must come in a different form, because the children of today & tomorrow are technologically savy, & sometimes the old ways need to change to knew ways. When I was younger, the schools always had a curriculum based on events surrounding Remembrance Day. Some where along the way, schools abandoned this practice, though I see on the news that a few class rooms take trips & do biographes of past soldiers. I recall the entire school gathering together to watch old war footage from many sources including the extermination of peoples with the Jewish Faith. And on Remembrance Day, I either watched the War Documentaries on the TV, because there was nothing else to watch (only 3 channels) & I was interested in expanding my knowledge of life. Or I occasionally attended the Services, because my Dad played the Bugel or Trumpet during the Service, but most individuals don't have such motivations. Perhaps the Services need to be more updated? And all TV stations need to be more responsible for teaching this history & not just the History Channel or the News. Beyond that, it has come to my attention that Canadians take so much for granted as we've seen little war that truly affects our lives day to day & we've become spoiled with the material wealth that prosperity has bequeathed us from the very sacrifices of those before us whom we try to pay homage too only once a year.



To those in our Military Services today, risking arm & limb for the freedoms of others throughout the world... I salute you & God Speed.

Answer 12

I live in Calgary, and something that really bothers me about this time of year is that some people only remember our fallen heroes once a year. It is also obvious to me that some people don't remember at all. We have had a rash of poppy fund thefts here this year and last. A comment in the editorial pages the other day really bothered me. It showed the complete ignorance of the person who wrote it and the common beleifs of most people these days.

The comment was " what is the big deal and why all the concern about these thefts? It's only a few dollars." I cannot understand someone who could think like that. These men fought wars for us and many died for us. We only officially remember their sacrifices once a year, and some "people" don't get it.

In The Netherlands, there are towns where the sacrifice made by Canadian soldiers in WWII are remembered EVERY day. They are very grateful for what our boys did, and every school child knows all about the war and how the Canadians came and liberated them from the Germans. If only 1% of Canadian school kids knew as much.

Answer 13

I, and 9 others, volunteer with a Navy League Cadet Corps (9-13 yr olds) of 25 cadets not only observe it, we participate in it.



This last weekend we and the cadets were out on the streets in East York and Beaches poppy selling for our area Legion. We will be out again this Saturday. And on the 11th we will be participating in their Parade and Ceremonies.



On our meet night (called a Parade night) we used an hour to talk about the Legion, how, when & why it was formed and their mandates. We also covered how the Poppy came into being and why we help the Poppy drive and what the money made goes toward. Last year we did a history and had in a active army Lt. speak with the cadets.



Being involved to this degree is much more touching and heartfelt than observing a moment of silence at home/work/school. It involves being part of passing on the knowledge of hard fought and won battles that so many men and women died for.



To be able to convey this to the cadets in so many ways goes a lot farther than the education system takes it. And we always strive to not be repetitive in our teachings so that they are more than interested, they are avid listeners taking in the details.



So in a nutshell what Remembrance Day means to me and how I observe it are one in the same. They are about showing our respect and thanks to those who fought and those who are fighting. It's about letting the living Vet's know their patriotism to this country is, and always will be, appreciated.



My personal opinion: Remembrance Day is like Christmas: The meaning of both should be observed all year, not just a day.



"Tribute to our fallen Soldiers"

http://www.freewebs.com/asoldierstribute/videopage.htm

Answer 14

Canadians are not known for public displays of pride. We are, in essence, rather subdued. However I believe that whether you're a multi generation Canadian, or you just arrived here last week, you have to have some pride, some appreciation, and some thanks for the sacrifices made by the many men and women of our military over the years. We would not have this wonderful country and be living the lives we live without their efforts I am a first generation Canadian. My parents came here with 6 children in 1957 and, although we remember where we came from and our culture, we have all become Canadians. I believe that part of being Canadian is remembering the past and being thankful for the future that we have. My husband and I instill in our children a sense of appreciation for what others have done before us. We have had many discussions about the sacrifices made and what it all means to them. Our children will be standing proudly by our sides as we pay tribute to many brave men and women in our Town's Remembrance Day Ceremony and I'm sure, as we have done every other year, my husband and I will become misty as we sing our national anthem. We can only hope that this pride and appreciation will continue with our children and for future generations. Let us never forget.

Answer 15

What it means to me ...



Our most sacred of national holidays, it is a time not only to remember those that fought in our wars, but what it was that they were fighting for. It is also a time to remember what a horrible and tragic thing war is. That it should never be undertaken lightly, but once taken up must been seen through to it's completion.



We have a responsibility to build a future that those who have sacrificed everything would be proud of. A responsibility which I fear we are failing at.



I will observe it by ...



By wearing a poppy from the 1st of November until the 11th, as I do every year.



By attending the services of remembrance at the local war memorial. While there may be fewer and fewer veterans on parade each year, I feel it's important to show those that remain that their sacrifice is not forgotten.



I will also reflect upon the days I spent as a member of the military standing on parade and talking to the veterans at the local mess or legion afterwards. This was long enough ago that there were still a good number of WW I veterans in attendance and I spent most of that time with them. Hearing the stories of Ypres, The Somme, Vimy, Mons and so many other battles from that war from the men that were there is something I will always treasure. But what I will remember most about all those men is the silence, the distant look in their eyes, and that many of them were brought to tears at the mention of the name Passchendaele.



For those men and all the veterans of our wars, I try to live by the words of the poet Laurence Binyon.



AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN,

AND IN THE MORNING:

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM.



While there will always be ceremonies of remembrance on 11 November. I think of their sacrifice often in the morning or while watching a sun set, and offer them my humble thanks for the freedoms my family and I enjoy today.

Answer 16

Remembrance day used to not mean much to me. I am still young and my grandfather was still a child so I don't have any relation that I am aware of about a family member who has served in any war. But, this year, i have a teacher who has allowe me to look at war and understand why we celebrate remembrance day.



Remembrance Day to me, is not only a day to remember soldiers from WWI and WWII but all soldiers from all wars. None of them should be forgotten, if they survived or not. Also, remembrance day is a day to remember the families of these soldiers and girlfriends waiting for them. Then there are the innocent civillians who were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. We should remember how many innocent people died.



As for how i am going to observe it, I am not quiet sure yet. I may go to a service but I'll probably be at church.

Answer 17

I personally am opposed to needless killing and war. BUT: I totally support the people who have been in the wars of the past as well as our Canadian Troops now.

How can this be?

Our troops are people just like you and I that are doing a job for the benefit of their country as well as the entire world! They do this job so I don't have to. So I can live my comfortable life back here in Canada.

I attend Remembrance Day ceremonies every year, to show my acknowledgement for those brave people of the past, present and the future who have taken or are taking the risk of leaving their spouse and children without a husband and father to keep our country and the world safe.

A lot of people don't know what it is like to live in a country where the basic rights and freedoms are not allowed or even recognized for the general citizens.

It is not a place I wish to be - so Thank You to anyone involved in keeping tyrants and fanatics from taking over peoples' lives! Thank You!

Answer 18

Even though I was born at the beginning of w.w.2 I did serve in the Canadian Navy in peace time and I believe that it is shameful that we only remember the war vets one day per year WOW. What a sacrifice we are making for those who sacrificed lives, limbs and minds for our freedom. We, as a country, should be ashamed of ourselves. But of course how many Canadians really show support for there country to-day? The Dollar goes up and we head across the border thus filling American tax coffers while at the same time we are not only taking from our country's tax system but taking from the small businesses a living. We take too much for granted and show very little appreciation for our great country. We have become a society driven by greed and power but never stop to think that that could be taken away from us at any time. I believe it is time for us to wake up and smell the roses. Our Governments of yesteryears sent troops to war because the whole world was threatened. Our more recent Governments have people fighting overseas because United States wants oil and power. These conflicts are doing us no good but our military is over there paying for WHAT with lives and injuries.



On Rememberance Day I will attend church as I do every Sunday and I will also be praying for all who have fought for their country in the past and there survivors, those who for a reason which I cannot understand are in conflicts today and there families and those who are sitting in the comfort of their plush offices and homes in Ottawa that sent sent these people to war at the beckoning of the war-hungry Bush administration.

Murray B.

Answer 19

I just finished a role in the movie "Passchendaele" in Calgary, directed by Paul Gross from Due South. Passchendaele is a little-known WW1 battle which was a very crucial Canadian victory in the Great War. After a week in the freezing rain and mud up to our knees surrounded by pyrotechnic explosions and gunfire, we walked away with but a taste of the four years of Hell our Canadian soldiers went through to give us the freedoms we have today. I cannot even imagine what kind of men could survive such an ordeal, but I can tell you I have a new-found respect for them. Pretty much every day I wake up in a warm bed and the first words in my head are "thank you." So I believe I'll spend that day being more thankful than I've been for anything in my cushy little life.

Answer 20

Remembrance Day is just what it is called, Remembering. Most of us have no concept of what war is about. We have had the honour of living in a war free country. Remembrance Day is about honouring those who did fight in wars and thanking them for the sacrifices that they made for our future. It is unfortunate that we have to go to war. Unfortunately that is sometimes the only way to stop an injustice. As in the school yard bully. Sometimes the only way to stop him or her is one good punch!

I feel fortunate that I have known seniors who talk about their experiences. So many will not talk about what they saw because of how horrific it was. Having heard some of these stories first hand definitely gives a closer understanding of courage. What these men and women did despite their fears.

Remembrance Day is about remembering how the world united in a common cause to stop an evil that was spreading. We have battles every day to be fought, violence against women and children, gang wars, violence in schools etc. The list goes on. We can choose to join the battles or sit back and let it be someone elses problem. No one knows what Europe and the rest of the world would have become if the countries of the world sat back and said 'not my problem'.

I cannot solve problems in other countries, however, I can use my gifts and intelligence to make my home and my community a good place to be. I can spread love and smiles to all those that I meet. Happy people don't fight, they help each other.



Remember that the next time you see someone with a sad face.



I will be attending the service at our local Cenotaph as I have done for many years now. I believe school children should be taken to these services and workers should be allowed time off to attend these services.

Answer 21

On Remembrance Day, I not only like to remember all the brave people who lost their lives to war, but to remember all the people who are currently serving the military or Canadian peacekeepers overseas, and the sacrifices they make to give peace a chance.



Every Remembrance Day, I look at my life, stop complaining and feeling sad, and thank God that I have such a good life. Many people take their happiness and freedom for granted, myself included, but on Remembrance Day, I always thank the Lord for all that I have.



War is a terrible thing. At my school, the chaplain likes to use the phrase " give peace a chance", and I really like that sentence. What if people put down their guns, stopped dropping their bombs, and tried to give peace a chance? Is it a realistice goal to ask this epidemic of war and violence to be halted and forever put to rest so the world can give peace a chance? These are some of the questions I'll ask myself this Remembrance Day.



Lest we forget.

Answer 22

When I was in school, before the politically correctness of not wanting to push one religion onto anyone in class that had a religion other than the general population, we used to hear the Principal on the speaker. We went to school on "holidays" not go to Vegas for the "long weekend" known before only as Remembrance Day.

The Principal would talk about what Remembrance Day was, a bit of history in a minute or two, then ask for everyone to maintain one minute of silence, in prayer at 11:11 AM.



I see no harm to any religion to bow your head and think, to your self if you want, a Thank you, for those that were in the wars. If they died or survived, they were there. Your religion, whatever it is, may be around today because of all soldiers that are in wars that are for freedom, not greed, power plays, or manipulation, but for freedom alone and saving those you can't save themselves.



I bow my head, and say a prayer of thanks, a prayer for peace, and a prayer for the "people in power" in governments, etc, to become human beings again so they can see what they are doing to everyone around the world and stop it.



Oh yes, and there are people who want to fiddle with the Poppy now. They want a white one for those who fought and came home.



I don't agree with this. They survived and go to the local gatherings, the parades, the events and are at the services. My grandfather was among the survivor soldiers. I am not saying that they deserve less honor, I am very grateful for what they did, but the "honoring" of the survivors is best done another way.



To start changing and messing around with a symbol after all these years is negating everything that happened. A "slap in the face to those that died and loved ones left behind" in my opinion.



It is a very minimal "thank you" to the survivors. I think they would rather the government follow through on the Veterans Pensions, Health Care, etc. that they were promised all these years. Also for whatever the Government exposed them to or did to them in research on making a "better soldier" or study effects of drugs to use in war.



Now if the Government would follow through on the promises they made, THAT would be honoring them for what they had to do and live through! Good Luck though, they never keep their promises.

Answer 23

Remembrance Day means a lot to me. So much so, that the thought of it and what it means brings me to tears and makes my heart soar with pride and emotion. Many relatives of mine have been in the military and I have nothing but admiration and respect for the sacrifices they made and for the risks men and women in the military have made over the past century up until today. My maternal grandfather, a British officer during WWII, risked his life many times to help his men, save comrades in need and eventually aid in liberating a concentration camp. He saved people's lives and he, with his unshakable morals and strong, courageous spirit made this world a little bit better. Of course he simply saw it as his duty. He also shot a lot of Nazis and was proud of this too. He knew he was on the right side, on the "good side" and knew that he, the British, and Allies would prevail in a battle against such unspeakable evil.



I will not be able to observe Remembrance Day as I normally do this year because I am living in Berlin, Germany, as I have been recently re-located by my company at least for the time being. There is no Remembrance Day here for obvious reasons. I find it very complicated how I feel right now. I want to shout from the roof tops that I feel such admiration for our fighting men and women and yes, damn you all, I'm Canadian and we won and what you guys did or allowed to happen was so beyond one's imagination that frankly I don't know even how to approach it, but I feel somehow proud of the fact that we won and we did what was right. Why do I keep thinking to myself "we won, we won"? It is with a lot of pride that I know that my relatives were on the victor's side, that I am on the victor's side and that we were the freedom fighters, the good guys. I have been in Germany before, I was married to a German woman for five years, and still I feel such awkwardness about the whole thing. Maybe it isn't so much my awkwardness but the uneasiness others feel about it.

I don't have any answers here, but I do know that I support our troops and I thank all Canadian and Allied veterans for the risks and sacrifices they have made.

Answer 24

What does Remembrance Day mean to me and how will I observe it? Well, frankly, it doesn't and I won't. My interactions with members of the military have been few, far between and extremely distasteful. I don't have a holiday. I don't even get paid more for working on this so-called holiday. The sacrifices our troops have made for our country were regretful in that those poor folk were fooled into believing our civic bureaucracy is something worth dying for. It isn't. I'll buy a poppy to subsidize cheap beer at the legion for old people. I can get behind cheap beer for people on fixed incomes. Beyond that, the whole thing matters to me very little.

Answer 25

My father went up the beach on D-day. I believe it was the worst and best time of his life. He came back alive, without injury and was proud. How many of us get to be proud of any thing these days. I will be going to one of the local ceremonies this Sunday. I can't change what has been, or what will happen, but I know we have to remember. There has been alot of talk recently about having this day declared an official holiday. Perhaps a count should be made to compare the attendance with a weekday. It would give us an indication of how many people would actually attend a ceremony if given the day off. I suspect the numbers would be much the same. I believe taking the time to make this a special day is a personal thing and I for one am proud to do it. Thank you Dad.

Answer 26

Unfortunately I am not always in Canada during Remembrance day. Not all parts of the world celebrate this day of Remembrance. Be proud to display a Red Poppy on your jacket. We as Canadians all should remember the sacrifices that our Grand Parents and sometimes Parents made to make the world a safer place for us to live. We should all be proud of what values were held dear by our past citizens and not allow these values to be washed away because they are no longer politically correct in some circles. Our history of protecting others against injustice makes me proud to be a Canadian. My Grandfather actually fought in both WW1 and WW2. All Canadians should have equal rights, not special rights. And most of all this should remind everyone to support our troups and their families who are today working towards making the world a safer place for our children to live.

Answer 27

Rememberance Day is a very important day to me. My grandfather was one of those soldiers that fought in WW2 on the front line in europe. When I asked him about how it was he would not talk for a long time. Then he said," I was lucky! When the Germans came over the trench wall I was knocked out cold. When I came threw, I was in the medic. Later I found out all of my friends that I had just met were dead. They stood and fought and died. I then went on to be a driver for the rest of the war. "



The look in his eyes was very cold and sad. How he could leave his wife and more than half a dozen children to go off and die to me is a mystery. At the time I could not understand, and now that I have a son of my own the answer is even more difficult for me to find. The didication I saw my grandfather show to his children and grandchildren is a moutain compared to that of the generation to follow. He was willing to die for his children to live.



As for how I will participate in Rememberance Day. It will go by as quiet as any other day, as I will remeber my grandfather every day. When I look into the eyes of my son and hope I never have to live my grandfathers nightmare. I will keep my grandfather's commitment and love alive by being a great husband and father. I think it is important to have a day every year that we are forced to look at what came before us. There should be nothing to do on that day, no shopping, no school, no radio or televition and no work. The only thing there should be on that day is a sharing between people.

Answer 28

Human beings fought, suffered and laid down their lives so that I can live in a free country and have the freedom to speak freely and live my life without the fear of being arrested simply for speaking my opinion.



I am a pacifist and, by nature, abhor war, however I have to shake my head in disbelief at those who say they are against war and they don't understand how anyone could fight in a war. Many of these folks talk as if the soldiers like war and want to go there. Are they crazy? These people did not go to war because they wanted to. They did not kill people because they enjoyed it. They went because there was no choice. If brave young men and women had not been willing to serve in WWII, Hitler would have been free to take over the entire world and millions of innocent people would still (and did) die.



War should only be a last resort, but when it comes, we must support and stand behind the soldiers who choose to put themselves in harm's way. They choose to give their all for us.



There is no greater love than a man lay's down his life for his friend (and sometimes, a complete stranger). Nothing could ever repay the debt we owe these people, but the least we can do, no matter which side of the political debate we fall on, is slap that poppy on, say thank you, and show them the respect they deserve.



Lest we forget... and rest in peace, mes oncles.

Answer 29

I will spend this Remembrance Day in solemn reflection. My wife and I had the opportunity to take a "WW1 Battlefield Tour" in September. What I learned there was the most shocking history lesson of my life.

I have an uncle buried in a cemetery in Belgium. How he died like so many others was tragic and cruel.

I can take comfort in the fact that his resting place is serene peaceful and well maintained.

He is at peace and we have gained from his sacrifice.

I wish all Canadians especially those under 25 could see Flanders Fields as well.

Answer 30

Hello Christie,



Before I answer, please allow me to say what a pleasure it is to have to post to you online, as I have read your column for many years back when you wrote in the Toronto Sun & then the National Post(& occasionally, I still read you in the Globe & Mail).



Now about Remembrance Day:



You know, the funny thing is, about this particular Remembrance Day is, it is falling on a Sunday this year, & the 11'th hour will be half way into when I am attending Holy Mass. So clearly, among the prayer requests we will be doing this Sunday will be for the fallen soldiers.



I have been posting online for many years now, & almost every year(for Remembrance Day), I have posted the poem, "In Flanders Fields," on either an online forum or group that I belong to.



Remembrance Day is a very sacred day, because it comemorates the countless lives that have been lost for us here right now, to enjoy such freedoms that we usually take for granted.



That is what Remembrance Day means to me.:-)



God Bless.

Answer 31

Remembrance Day:

To me Remembrance Day means one word, Devotion.

Devotion, the solders that defended our freedom

Devotion, our country for remembering all the fallen soldiers during the years

Devotion, the families that supported their sons and daughters who are now in the war or have fought in the war.

Devotion, the people that were for or against the wars

Devotion, the feeling I have towards Canada.

Answer 32

I will try to attend a ceramony at the local Legion centapath to help remember the people who fought to keep our countries independence. I think that Remembrance Day should be a National Holiday and celebrated in schools and business's. However we do not do this as we are afraid to upset someone's race or nationality. How disrespectful of the people who allowed not only our freedom, but for those of other races or nationalities to come here and say that we can't do this because it offends their rights. What about our rights, what about the rights of the soldiers and people past present and future who do thier job so we can keep the freedom and independance that not only we enjoy, but the freedom that new Canadians enjoy under the rights that they were given when allowed into our country. It is to often that we succumb to other races or nationalities who state what we can and cannot support because it offends them. Well what about not supporting Remebrance Day, that offends me to know that Canada, who has gone all over the world to help others in the support of World Peace and Freedon cannot show support to the people who have laid their lives on the line so that so many others can enjoy those rights. I think all TRUE CANADIAN REGARDLESS OF RACE, NATIONALITY OR COLOR WOULD AGREE THAT WE SHOULD SUPPORT THOSE WITH A NATIONAL HOLIDAY TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE GIVEN US THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS THESE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS THAT ARE TAKEN FOR GRANTED EVERYDAY. People will still have another 364 days that they can state this is against thier rights and freedoms.

Answer 33

It is one day of the year when I truly feel a connection to the past. I lost a number of relatives to the war, growing up with stories of how they were taken away by the occupying army.



When I think about my birthplace of Hong Kong, I can't help but think about the 500 Canadians who died while imprisoned and tortured by their captors. For those who don't know, HK's original aiport landing strip was built by slave labour--Canadians who were put to work building this for the Japanese.



For anyone who doesn't think that Remembrance Day is important, consider the lives lost in order before peace was finally achieved. I think that every Canadian should attend a ceremony on Remembrance Day if they are able to get to one. It is a very small token of thanks and gratitude--not quite an even exchange.

Answer 34

It is a time for me to remember the reason(s) why we as Canadians supported WW1, WW2, & the Korean War, along the men who willingly put their lives on the line and were injured physically, as well as emotionally and mentally, or were killed as a result of a battle.



This year, we are all attending (even our 4 yr old) the local Remembrance Day ceremonies and will be saying special prayers for the troops that are currently serving in the Middle East.



God bless our Veterans, where ever they are! Non Nobis Sed Patriae.





"At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

Answer 35

On Remembrance Day, I will be attending church where the Roll of past members of our church who served in either of the World Wars is read off in memory of them. Then we will be asked to stand if we are related to someone who served, if we are someone who is serving or has served, if we know someone who is or has served and then everyone will rise for a moment of silence before the Last Post and Revaille are played. To me, Remembrance Day is the day to remember those who served and died for the peace and freedom our country has. It is also a day to remember those who are out there fighting for freedom and/or helping to keep the peace in another land. A day to pray for those who are currently in Afghanistan to return home safely after they have succeeded. It is a shame that Remembrance Day is no longer a holiday as it once was when I was young. I used to enjoy, despite not understanding at the time, watching the documentaries on TV in the morning when I was off school. I think it made it more real for me.

I also know someone who lost many family members in WWII and also chose to serve in the Armed Forces when he was old enough to do so. He has taught me more than he knows and has given me even more respect for the soldiers that lost their lives fighting so we can live the way we do today.

Answer 36

It means giving up a little of my time to show my respect for the brave people who gave their lives so I might live in freedom and peace. I also remember my parents and their War. My father was an RCAF combat veteran in WWII, and my mother worked for Intrepid (Willaim Stevenson). I wear my Beret from my little stint in the Reserves, and I go say hello to people at the local Armouries and RC Legion. Most of all I sing at the morning ceremony, when my throat isn't too choked up with emotion. Then in the afternoon I gather around the piano with the older people and sing those wonderful old songs. I know a lot about what happened and each time it makes me cry a little. I wish every Canadian would show their respect more.

Answer 37

Its not about war - to me



But about the love these young men and women had for their country and for people that they have never met. Families sacrificed their own to help others - Soldiers sacrificed their lives and their friends for this love.



I look around and see "lest we forget" in November. I am scared what will happen when we do forget - those that we honor and those that remind us of this sacrifice are disappearing. Those stories are told less and less. Soon all there will be is stories that we once heard someone say - the tears that are shed during the telling of these stories will not fall anymore. The emotions will be gone and so will our understanding of these events. The meaning of that love and sacrifice will lost and we may be doomed to repeat it. Heaven forbid these event occur again.



We have young men and women with this same love overseas trying to help others and we have a difficult time understanding this love and question it. We need to remember the sacrifice that has occurred and the love felt by so few of us today



remembrance day to me means remembering that we are all human and all the same regardless of where we are from We all have the same basic needs and love is key. I will observe it by teaching my children love and acceptance, as well as compassion, kindness and the necessity of selfless actions - actions that benefit others more than yourself.

Answer 38

I am always very emotional on Remembrance Day. I think of my father during WW2 working in the engine room of a ship with the Canadian navy. He came home alive but never really discussed with us anything that happened as seems to be common with a lot of the men. He actually fell off a 2 storey building during the war and broke his back. He was discharged from the service because of his injury and couldn't join up again so he went to the U.S. and joined the American army. All of the men wanted to serve any way they could. He came home safely with no new injuries but whenever I watch war movies I feel very nostalgic. I'm very thankful to all of the men and women who gave their lives so that we may be free.



My Dad has since passed on but we still have his American army uniform and it will be passed down to one of his grandsons.



My son is in the service but luckily he hasn't had to go to Afghanistan other than for a 10 day visit. I certainly didn't get a lot of sleep during those 10 very long days and nights.



On Remembrance Day I will be at home watching all of the specials on TV and I will be shedding tears as usual. I don't know why it affects me that way but it does. I have gone to the service at the cenotaph in Ottawa in the past and it also is a very emotional and moving service.

Answer 39

The veterans of WW1 & WW2 are thought about by us greatly. They were conscripts put into a terrible situation and many died with enormous suffering, their families braving the consequences as best they could. Their sacrifices were not chosen in most cases but obligatory and they had enormous bravery and courage as a result of this. Since the end of these terrible Wars, the soldiers are professional soldiers and choose a life of potential war and conflict (Afghanistan, etc). They don't have to sign up in the first place and this is a career choice for them. The bravery of modern day soldiers is great, but not in the same league as those of the conscripts, and should be placed alongside that of police, air-sea rescue, etc. They are all very brave men but are different to the conscripts of the World Wars and so our family honours these people in a different way, not on Rememberance Day which we reserve for those who did not have a choice. We should have a day to honour these career-choice brave people (soldiers, police, etc) and keep Rememberance Day for those who suffered as a result of a necessity of conscription, not choice.

Answer 40

I look at the world abroad and see the turmoil ..then I see Canada how Truely Blessed We Are!!! and I think about how my Grandfather told me stories about his 5years over in Europe and I remember the story about 5,000 Canadians sent to Dieppe and how he was 1 of the 2000 that made it back ..I have a daughter now and I see the joy in her face and what oppurtunities she will have that others dont, my Grandfather has been gone for 20+years nows I see what they were fighting for



WHAT YOU & I HAVE,..... THE RIGHTS Here in Canada today OUR freedom plain and simple and all the Men & Women that Gave the Ultimate Price for the Next generations to Come to Be free and not Oppressed.



But If We Dont Remember History Were All CONDEMNED

to Repeat such!



War is Evil lest We Forget ...........

Answer 41

In today's world, Remembrance Day has no meaning. It was there not only to remember those who gave their lives for others, but as well in order to not have any more wars. There are wars more than ever before.



This should not be a day to remember but instead a Global Peace Action Day. That day should be used to pressure world governments and those involved in starting and maintaining wars to stop killing innocents. This day should be used to create global laws against wars and the production and sales of weapons. This day should be used to promote peace, and not just remember that it once existed.



On Remembrance Day, I will teach my kids all about Peace and all against killing other people.



Are we a so self-centred and arrogant specie that we are unable to put Life as the ultimate treasure to protect? Are we really unable to accept other people's views of life? Do we really need to kill other people to promote our ideologies? If that is the case, our teaching system must be reviewed and fast.

Answer 42

Remembrance Day is a solemn day where I recognize the sacrifices Canada's soldiers have made for me and others in the world. I also force myself to think about the ugly truths of war. I think we all need to understand just what we are asking our young boys to do when we send them to war, and to understand that there is no glory in war.



We can't shy away from striking down tyranny, and protecting freedom, but we must send our boys to die only when there is no other action left to take. It is all of our responsibility to ensure that the decision makers do this.



Remembrance Day is also a time to dream of a day where the people of the world stop killing each other, and to ask myself "what have I done this year to help achieve this goal?"

Answer 43

Remembrance Day is a special time for me. My grandfather served in the war, as did my grandmother. When my grandfather signed on, he did not know that it meant losing his status as an Indian. He was illiterate and never did go back to correct the injustice done to him. He served proudly, and often told us stories of his time in service.



He passed away last February.



This Remembrance Day, I will be thinking of my grandfather and others who fought for our rights and freedoms, often through the sacrifice of their own. I will thank all veterans for the fact that I can enjoy the luxuries I have today.



I will be at my local cenotaph playing the bagpipes with our local Legion Pipe Band. I will spend the rest of the day hanging out at the Legion with the vets, listening to their stories as I do every year.

Answer 44

Where I work in the hotel industry, regrettably I have to work that day, during the ceremony. However, after my work is done, I'll pay my respects at the cenetaf a few blocks away from me by myself.



I have a transcript of Sir Winston Churchill's famous speech The Battle Of Britain and I fondly cherish it. I read it every Rememberance Day to remind myself just what the world went through in WWII and previous wars. I just wish the world would truly come to the conclusion, "Never again." But regretfully we do not learn from history too well.

Answer 45

Rememberance day will be tougher this year,usually it;s a day

I refleck upon my family and friends and how lucky I was not

having to go to war,and having such a great life.But This year

many of the guys I grew up with have thier children serving in

afghanistan.My genaration reaped the reward of our forefathers,not having to and only if you wanted to serving our country the best you could .But it seems like our children have fallen upon the Honor of serving our country.Absouloutly none

of the people I grew up with served in the military,but I do know and have friends that are my age that do carry that honor.why it skipped a genaration I can not fathom,but I do know one thing,I will be thinking and honoring,my friends children that are serving our country,and worring about their lives which are at stake daily.afghanistan is a different war with far more dangers and deception than our previos wars.

God Bless all those souls lost,and those souls that are yet to be taken,and may god speed the day that these young men are home saftely with their famillies and friends,and parents.

Answer 46

Remembrance day is just one day where everyone should remember and give thanks to the soldiers who fought for this land. Not just the ones who died but for the ones who are still here and came back. But some people don't even think about or know what it means. I think everyday should be remembrance day, not just one day. We are free because of those brave men and women. I know for a fact that i wouldn't be here if it weren't for my great grandpa and all of the other Soldiers. On this month every year i make a poem dedicated to those soldiers. I read McCrae's poem "In Flanders Field" on the 11th also to pay tribute.

Answer 47

To me, Remembrance Day is not only about remembering the soldiers who died in the war and the veterans, but it also about remembering the people who died in the war. On this day, I like to remember everyone who risked their lives for the sake of their countries, and the people who died perhaps hoping thier loved ones would soon come home.

In this time, I don't think people should think about all the evil people who started the wars. I think it is more of a time to think about making peace with other countries and to respect and remember all the people who died in the war.

At this paticular Rememberance Day and hopefully not many others, we will remember those who died in Iraq and respect those who are there now. I do really hope the war ends soon, because we all should know that peace is easier to handle than war.

Answer 48

Remembrance Day for me is a time to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who served and died for their counrty. And to remember that they did not die in vain.

I remember how they fought a true adversary and won. They helped to rid the world of uknown pain that could have been.

I remember the Canadians who were sent far away to help defend the rights and freedoms of the world they came to know.

To support and fight along with the army's of nations under attack.

I remember the story's my grandmother told me of the brave Canadian soldiers who led her to safety when Belfast was bombed.

I remember her say it was a time of terror, but of hope.

That out of the madness came a will to make things right, make things better, and to never let another generation suffer the same plight.

Never again.

Answer 49

As the proud daughter of a World War II vet who fought, was severely injured and nearly lost his arm and hand, I will be attending a Remembrance Day service in my community, as I have done ever since I can remember. My beloved Dad (deceased Dec. 2006) used to take me with him to the Remembrance Day parades when I was a little girl, and one time I even marched beside him, proudly wearing my poppy and keeping step with the other veterans!



This is a legacy we MUST pass on to our children and grandchildren, and one that needs to be introduced and encouraged in the immigrant population, for without the sacrifices of so many sons, husbands, uncles, brothers, fathers (and now mothers, daughters, wives, aunts and sisters) Canada would not be a safe haven for anyone.



Please -- wear a poppy and if you lose it, buy another one. Attend a service in your area and solemnly remember and give thanks for those who have fought, were wounded and/or died so you continue to have the freedom to choose what you will do on Remembrance Day!



Thank you, Dad. I love you forever.....till we meet again on Heaven's shores....



Your proud daughter

Answer 50

It's a reminder of times past when the world was quite different...yet not quite so different, which is why we must remember it. It's something that's distant yet close to our history.



And as always, it's a time to honour the veterans (not just the dead, and not just the soldiers, though they deserve special acknowledgement) who fought for what truly was a good cause - of all of history's wars, this perhaps was the one which could be labeled good vs. evil.



I've attended a service almost every year since high school. It's important to me because my high school had hundreds of veterans from both wars, students and faculty, and many of whom gave their lives. Dozens of veterans attended our high school ceremony every year, though the numbers were already beginning to dwindle when I graduated. What always gets me is when I think, if this was 95 years ago, or 65 years ago, I would have been one of those students who left for Europe. And suddenly, I don't feel so distant from the veterans, remembering we went to the same school...

Answer 51

Remembrance to me is very important. I was raised a proud Canadian and am very thankful for the men and women that gave their lives and are still giving their lives for the freedom of our country. If it weren't for these people we have no idea where we would be today..These people were and are very brave and I thank the Lord for people like this....we will be attending ceremonies in our town and going for a luncheon with some of the veterans that are here and publicly thanking them for their service and their fight for our freedom and saying prayers for those that are deployed at this time and away from their loved ones......

Answer 52

Remembrance Day is when we remember those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. We must always mark this day and never forget how hard the soldiers fought for us. Even though the day is meant specifically to mark the end of WWI, we also take the day to remember those who fought in WWII and all other wars. If we ever forget, if we EVER cease to remember, if our children are not taught this in school, their lives will have been lost in vain. Everyone should take a moment of silence at 11am on Sunday, whether at work, or at home, or in the car. Its respect.

Answer 53

Because Remembrance Day is Sunday, we will most likely have some kind of service at church. My husband's Dad served in the 1st and 2nd WW. He lied about his age to get in. {Canada} My Uncles, Dad and brother all served. Uncles and Dad in 2nd WW {in the states} and my brother in Vietnam. My one Uncle was a Captain Fighter Pilot with the Flying Tigers. My dad in the Army in Panama Canal, My Grandfather with the Sea Bees. My one Uncle contracted Malaria and had it till he died. My Brother in law and his son, my nephew were both in the Navy. We have a friend in either Kandahar or Afghanistan. Another young friend goes over next year to Iraq I think. My Dad came back different, my father in law and brother came back alcoholic and brother is also a drug addict. That's what war has done to my family. My Dad was distant and cold. Mom had a hard time with him. When they say that war is you know what, they are right. What I want to know, is how did you stand it?? It must have changed your life dramatically. I wish I could know how it affected you. You never come back the same. All I can say is God Bless you for being with our troops. xo

Answer 54

My grandfather was among the first casualties of WWII. He died on the first day of the war...September 3rd, 1939, when a German submarine under the command of Capitan Lemp sunk the Athenia 300 miles off the coast of Ireland. The people on the Athenia didn't know the war was on....and were returning to Canada on the ship. I will remember my grandfather on Nov.11th, a man I never met...and will be at the organ of a church playing the Remembrance Day service.

Answer 55

Remembrance Day to me, means remembering those that fought for the freedoms and rights that we observe today. Most importantly though, Remembrance Day is remembering the friends that my husband has lost overseas.

Since I'm an officer with Navy League Cadets, we'll be attending two seperate parades and laying wreaths.

Answer 56

Remembrance Day is a day of not only past wars, but current wars that are going on and paying tribute to our lost country men. Hero's that we can not thank in words to tell how much we appreciate and appreciated their honour to Canada. It is a day of thinking about how lucky we really are, and how thankful we should ALL be.



I wento my kids assembly at their school and watch my son sign "what a wonderful world", I can tell you that there wasnt a dry eye in the hall. They had black clothes on and white gloves and a poppy that glowed in the dark (so thats all you could see with the lights out). AMAZING, I am a proud Canadian.

Answer 57

When I think of Remembrance Day, I think of soldiers, war, history, the colour red, and poppies. Remembrance Day is a very solemn and serious holiday, possibly the most serious of all. I always think of World War I and World War II when it comes to Remembrance Day and how soldiers die and innocent people die and the Nazi and all these other stuff. I take Remembrance Day very seriously and always wear a poppy when it's the time. I think that Remembrance Day is not one of those holidays when you get to have fun, enjoy family time, etc.

Answer 58

I wear a poppy and have a minute of silence for all the fallen soldiers & the families. Though I don't agree with wars I do agree that the soldiers involved put their own lives on the line and fought and died for what they believed in.

I will never understand or condone wars but unfortunately there are many people who sacrificed for them and hopefully world leaders like George Bush etc. will start thinking more clearly before they put their own people in harms way for reasons which are beyond understanding.

Answer 59

I think about all the people affected by the war, not just Canadians. I know a few people who were young people living in Europe when WWII happened. One of them is a Hungarian woman. She said she thinks she was born at the wrong time, because first the Germans went into her country and took everything, then the Russians came along and took everything that was left.



People like her and her family lived in countries our troops did not manage to liberate, and were enslaved behind the rule of the iron curtain for years before they found a way out.



Remembrance Day reminds me of all the brave people who fought and died for the freedom of others, but it also reminds me of the power of human will and determination. There were lots of unarmed civilians, like that woman, who survived and found a way to save herself. It makes me sad that we couldn't have done more to help more people, like Eastern Europeans. But we were able to provide a new homeland for the ones who did manage to get out. That is something to be grateful for.

Answer 60

Here is a poem that the daycare children at Holy Redeemer Catholic Elementary school in Toronto created.

I think it' s fant astic and was written by the children.



REMEMBRANCE DAY



A compilation of children’s thoughts

Holy Redeemer DiscoverAbility Program

(Ages 6 through 12)



On the eleventh day,

Of the eleventh month,

At the eleventh hour

We pay our respects

To the soldiers who fought

And lost their lives in war.



Why did so many have to die?

Our hearts melt with sorrow.

We feel such sadness and fury.

We wished we could have changed things

We wished we could have saved your lives.



Even in the darkness of war

The bright red poppies grew.

On this day we remember the soldiers

By wearing the poppies over our hearts.

Poppies are a sign of hope and goodness in the world.



The soldiers fought so we may live in peace

In Flander’s fields they sleep.

We hope they lie in peace.

We cherish you in our hearts

And remember you forever.

Answer 61

Remembrance Day is this weekend

actually it will be on Sunday November 11th

Each year I go to the service which draws out over 7000 people.

Many of them are veterans from both wars

This year will be no different.

There is a 2 minute silence to honour the people who died to save our country.

Answer 62

I would like to start by saying that Remembrance Day should be a National Holiday in Canada.



Remembrance Day represents the sacrifices that my grand-parents' generation had to make (in regards to the 2 World Wars) and that many do today in order to serve, in the vast majority of cases here in Canada, a higher ideal and preserve what so many have fought and died for.



On Sunday, a group of friends, my husband and myself are gathering at my home to observe the 2 minutes of silence and honour those who have fallen in combat this past year as well as those who, in our families and friends, cannot be with us on this day to commemorate with us because a bullet had their name on it... We will call them by name and have a feast in their honour.



If we all make an effort in making this world a better place, maybe, just maybe, we will have long lasting peace. Imagine that...

Answer 63

First of all I am presently overseas in a country that does not recognize Remembrance Day or even our right to observe it. I am here in a civilian capacity and not in the military. I served my country in the military for 37 years and without doubt have strong feelings about Remembrance Day. I was fortunate to join the Army and then the Navy while veterans from WWII and Korea were still serving and had an opportunity to sit and talk with many of these vets while they still served their country. We have had a long period in Canada where we forgot our vets and much of the Canadian public was indifferent over observing Remembrance Day. Even those of us in the military went through this period feeling unwanted and unappreciated. Thankfully we emerged from our shroud of indifference and self indulgence and have people who have stepped forward to remind us that the freedoms we enjoy and the sheer joy of being a Canadian have come at a terrible price and that price is still being extracted today. Lest we forget or I forget let me say that I could not be more proud of our people in Afghanistan and else where than if they were my own children. They are my brothers and sisters in arms and I think of them on a daily basis. I observe Remembrance Day in awe of the accomplishments of those who went before us and in awe of those who serve now. Unless you are in a country that does not respect basic human rights and freedoms it is hard to realize what you have and how terrible it would be to loose it. My heart swells with pride when I think of Canadians who stormed Vimy and Normandy, those who held their ground in Korea against overwhelming numbers, those who put their lives on the line in peace keeping missions and those young men and women who face the incredible ordeals of making a difference in Afghanistan. Remembrance Day for me is a time I pray for those who have given their all and for the families who will only have a memory to cling to. It is a time for me to recognize the sacrifice of those who come home broken both physically and mentally and to the families who have the ordeal of picking up the pieces. To all of them "Thank you" from the bottom of my heart. You make me proud. You make me appreciate how fortunate I am to have been born a Canadian. Because of their service we as Canadians will never have to apologize for our contributions in the business of the world. This Remembrance Day my friends and I will have a private evening service to coincide with the service in Ottawa. We wear our poppies proudly even though many in the country we are in do not understand it and many do not like it. Remember two minutes of silence and remembrance is such a short time, for those in harms way it’s a life time.

Answer 64

This day is special to me, as my grandfather served in WW 1 with the 4th Battalion of Canadian Army and fought at Langemark, France. In a heroic move, he left the trenches to help a fellow soldier. In his attempt, he too,was wounded, but survived and made it back home. But all the shrapnel was not removed from his back and pain followed him for 19 years, when an unsuccessful operation ended his life.(1934) My Father served in WW2 with First Medium Artillery in Germany France, Belgium and Italy. He also stayed one year after the war to build bridges and dispose unexploded bombs. There were several of my Uncles who also served in WW2, but have

since passed on. They all reside in my heart, as they put thier

lives on the line, along with the thousands who perished, to

protect a country they loved and the people in thier own hearts

I will observe this day by travelling with my mother and daughter to Port Credit Cenotaph for the 2min silence and then visit my Fathers at Clarkson Cemetary, where they lay.

Answer 65

Each year on Remembrance Day I would call my grandfather, who served in the RCAF for twenty-five years. I would say, "hi Papa, I'm remembering you!"

Papa passed away four years ago at the age of seventy-nine.

This Remembrance Day I have organized a visit to his grave site with other members of my Mother's family, including my Gramma. It will be the first visit for us all since we had the stone put in last year.

I am writing a poem to read graveside, and I am going to ask my fourteen year old nephew to read "In Flanders Fields."

Answer 66

Rememberance Day means a lot to me. My grandfather served in WW1. He tended to the horses for the Lord Strathcona Cavalry Regiment. I also had a cousin who served in the Navy and two uncles that served in the Army. My Mom worked for 11 years at an army supply depot here in London and we lived near Wolsely Barracks. So I grew up with the army. I will attend Rememberance Services at my church and then in the afternoon after visiting my in-laws at the nursing home my husband and I plan on going to my Favourite Uncles grave in the Vetrans plot and place a Poppy there.

Answer 67

Whatever I am doing on Sunday, I will stop at the eleventh hour and be silent for a minute, and in that minute I will thank God for all the men and women who have served our country and kept it safe enough that we can enjoy a minute without the sound of bombs exploding, bullets flying, women screaming, or children crying. I will pray for comfort for all those who are eternally scarred by the hellish horrors of war, and I will pray for the enlightenment of those who think that such a barbaric endeavor is necessary. But most of all, I will enjoy the silence and all the peaceful bliss within it.

Answer 68

Remembrance Day

A Day to Remember our fallen Hero's and our Vetrans.That means 24 hours not just the one hour show on CBC.I will not shop , buy bread or milk or gasoline and ciggarettes, they should all be closed on the most important day in Canada's history.I will remember my grandfather who served in WW1 and WW2 and my uncles in WW2 and the Korean war.I wear 2 poppies, 1 i earned as a wolf cub in the early 60's and a new 1 every year, to show our vetrans that we really do Remember them every year all year round !

Answer 69

I was born in 1043, and have always observed Nov.11, but now I refrain from wearing the poppy, lest it appears as support for our re-armed forces currently engaged in Afghanistan. Even the poppy symbol iself has an ironic twist. Sure hope the lads refrain from wearing them in Afghanistan. Could be a bit of a misunderstanding there.

Answer 70

To me it means honoring my Father, Grandfather, and Uncle who fought in WWII . My grandfather was the captain of the SS Grayburn which was a supply ship and was torpedoed. My grandfather was lost at sea and I never had the honor of knowing this brave and wonderful man. Every year I attend the Rememberance Day service in Sarnia Ontario to pay my respects to my family and all of the other brave men & women who fought for our freedom. I also go to honor my parents who have been in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 color guard. My mother was the first women to have the honor of being on the steps of the cenitaph in the color guard.

We won't be attending services this year because my father just went thru major surgery but I will honor all of the brave souls privately.

Answer 71

Most of the time, I try not to think of the wars, and the gory deaths of such young soldiers. However when I have to think about it, like on Remembrance Day, I can't help but be sad. I find it so hard to think of these soldiers losing their lives for battles that could be prevent. Such as in World War 1, there were battles like the Somme, which killed about 60 thousand soldiers in the first day of battle, and it went on for months. They should have lived to old age, and this represents all that is wrong with the human race to me. Not to say there isn't many good things we as humans have done, but death and mental anguish from this is not one of them. I will treat this holiday with the respect it deserves, and when my school holds their annual play in remembrance of these tragic deaths, I will be the first one to cry.

Answer 72

On Remembrance Day, I think of all the lives that have been lost to war - both soldiers, and innocent civillians.



To me, Remebrance Day signifies how far we have yet to come, and why we must always work towards peaceful solutions.



I don't know what I'll specifically do to observe remebrance day. Maybe I'll be a little nicer to someone I don't usually talk to. Maybe I'll confront someone who is telling a racist joke. But these are things we should do every day. The smallest things have a huge impact, and they can all help in working towards peace.

Answer 73

My GreatGrandfather is and was Pte F W Stokes He was killed in action at the age of 42 on September 27, 1918 on the Cambrai Road near Haynecourt. He is buried in grave I.A.23 at the small Ontario Cemetery in Sains-les-Marquoin. i possess most of the letters he sent home one was just a folded scrap of paper and reads only as follows .. "From your loving Father Pte F W Stokes Hoping you are all well Mildred (dont forget me) "..... One day myself or one of my children will visit his grave and let him know the he has never been and never will be forgotten ... I wish it was a day that all canadians treated with the reverance it deserves and to those who cannot make it to a cenotaph on the 11th there is just no excuse ... to those that dont see what the big deal is .. just look around you at the freedoms you enjoy the country where you live and at your children and you will see the big deal .

Thanks to all who serve

Especially

Pte Fw Stokes KIA 161 Bat

Lnc/Cpl G Stokes 161st Bat

S/SGT F Stokes JR Can HQ

Pte Wm Y Donaldson 110th Bat

Lt Austin Grace RCN

Flt/Lt Clive MacDonald RCAF



Sincerely

Wm Y Donaldson Jr.

[e-mail]

Answer 74

My namesake was William Baggs , my Grandfather's Brother .

In 1943 my Great-Grandfather said only one of his two boys could go to war . William went and served on the HMCS Ottawa and was killed while on patrol in the Atlantic protecting Newfoundland. I have researched my Great Uncle and have found his memorial in Plymouth , UK , as we were a part of the British Commonwealth at that time . My two sons , 4&8 , know of the importance of remembrance day , and how

a member of their family served to protect ..

Answer 75

I want to answer your question honestly.

I don't believe we should condon war. I feel the Remembrance Day holiday is making us honour war. These men and women whom are Vets. did the job they were paid for and being paid killers in other peoples countries isn't human. Myself as a native person has had and having injustices here in our country. Do you celebrate with us.?

Most Europeans I spoke with in europe say that these people in Canada and US need to go home to their own countries and live.

I agree. What always happens is these foreign wars and troubles are brought to our country. We still have unsettled land claims and we are not asking you to celebrate this for us. Where is your justice with us.

Answer 76

Well since your a high brow journalist, I find it very interesting that you came to this site, I guess your running out of ideas, anyway's, I'll be watching the T.V formalities, I always do. I'll pray my little prayer, and think of all that perished, The first world war being the main thing. It all started then, I proudly put on my poppy for them, I know wearing a poppy signifies all wars, but, the first is the first, and it seems no one has really learned from that, So good luck with your so called journalisam. Not one of your fans, but enough balls to answer your question.

Answer 77

My father spent three-years in Europe in WWII and never ever talked of that time. He went over, did his duty, came back to the small prairie city where he was born and raised and, one year later, married my mother. He was of a generation that did their duty, no questions asked, and then, duty completed, got on with life. So Remembrance Day is my father and what he would never talk about. I will be observing Remembrance Day by going to the nearby Tim Horton's, getting myself an 'extra large double-double to go', head down to a river bench, and think of my dad. Then. Later that same day, I will be working a minimum wage retail gig selling high end clothing to women who feel the need to shop for clothes on Remembrance Day. My thoughts on this business as usual approach is that if the Canadian government is going to send people over to Afghanistan to fight what amounts to a no win against those who equate heaven in terms of self detonation and a bevy of celestial virgins ... well ... this government needs to truly ... and I mean truly ... demonstrate respect for soldiers by turning Remembrance Day into a no business holiday. Years ago I worked the local Wal-Mart where two-minutes ... count 'em ... were set aside for non shopping, supposedly silence ... recalled as restless shoppers with shopping carts and screaming children and stuffing in the onsite McFries ... And, no, my father deserved more than two-lousy minutes of silence and so do those soldiers, currently over in Afghanistan, some of whom will be coming home in boxes. When the federal government finds the 'equipment' (.... pause) to stand up to Wal-Mart et.al. and say no business on Remembrance Day, then politicians have earned the right to stand up in front of cameras and wax eloquent on fighting the good fight in Afghanistan.

Answer 78

I come from a family with deep military ties.

I have family members buried in graveyards in France and Holland. I have served with the Canadian army in Haiti, Bosnia, Afghanistan and the Ivory Coast.

Many friends have not come home and many civilians have had their lives destroyed by war.

For me, the day will be a toast to those who came before me and to those who still serve. I will raise a glass to their courage. It will also bring a promise to myself, as a civilian to try to create a world where war is obsolete and to remember that war is not what you see on TV, but is bloody,ugly and human nature at its worst.

Answer 79

Remembrance Day to me is the day to honor our war dead, and to reflect that without their efforts much of the world would still be living in tyranny.

Also I pause to think, are the wars today justified?

Killing is something which must be weighed carefully, and I applaud the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces for trying to stop the killing around the world.

Answer 80

It means that I am Free, Canadian and Happy. My Father-in-law, was a Vet and could not talk about the WWII without crying, so I know what it meant to him. He lost some friends in the war but always thought of them as heros. Everyday we are lucky that those "boys" did what they did to keep us free. Thank you to all the Veterans all over Canada!

Answer 81

Our family will spend remembrance day saying a silent prayer for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for my family to have the freedoms that they do today. It will also be spent remembering my father in law who was a proud member of the legion and walking in the parade on November 11th with his chest out proud. My youngest daughter never got to meet her grandfather but her father and I tell her great stories about him and we instill in both our children how much this day meant to their grandfather and why.

Answer 82

I usually spend the day watching war movies. Unfourtunatly, this means that I only get to remember what America did for my freedom(and their version of things) because for some reason no one in our entertainment comunity has ever seen fit to make movies remembering what Canadian soldiers did, which was much more meaningful to history than what the Americans did.

Answer 83

As a baby boomer I grew up with the fortune of not witnessing WW II but I was told by my parents and war Veterans about the horror of war, I studied history at school ,read books and watched documentaries.



I consider myself a very lucky person because of those brave men that fought for me and the world to give us freedom. Unfortunately freedom as a price that was paid by our heroes . Even if many years have gone buy and those brave young men give their life for country and freedom I will always remember them .

I am wearing a Poppy with honour and pride and I support the soldiers that are now in Afghanistan and everywhere else . I pray that they will stay clear of harms way and return safe home, to their loved ones. I will replace the yellow ribbons that I had tied on my trees and tune in at eleven o'clock on CBC . "I will remember them"

Answer 84

I respectfully thank all Veterans for doing more than their job.



I am a 24 / 7 Home CareGiver so I will not be able to attend the services as desired but I will watch the coverage and give thanks to them.



After 27 years in the military (ret), I can say that I've proudly served my Country.





A proud Canadian,

Dave MacNaughton

Answer 85

Remembrance Day to me is my life. Without the sacrifices made, I would not be here to enjoy my life, my family, my freedom. I will be observing the day with my family. My husband is in the Canadian Military and we will be him during his parade. After we will attend a gathering at our local legion.

Answer 86

To me, this year, rememberance day is a special one.

I used to attend them when i was in the air cadets and in the militia. Now, this year, I have some friends in the Vandoos and i'll hope and prey they come back safe.

I'll also take a moment to have a prayer for those fallen on previous conflicts: WW1 -WW2 -Korea - all those Peacekeeping missions and of course Afghanistan.

Answer 87

Remembrance day reminds me that there are some things for which it is worth fighting and dying.



It would be good to remind the powerful who command men and women into battle to consider their reasons for going to war, and if they are still convinced that they must, that they should send their own sons and daughters to aid the poor and the desperate.

Answer 88

I respect those who fsught in the past and appreciate our country being free. Now I believe the fighting in other parts of the world thats going on should not be tolerated and a quick stop bne put to it. Our troops should be brought home as theres too many of them being killed at another countries needless expense.

Answer 89

I am in France this year. I wanted to go to Vimy for Remembrance Day, but circumstances don't permit. But I will wear my poppy and I will remember my great uncle, whose name is on the Vimy Memorial, along with 11,000 others, because his body was never found or identified. I wish to remember him. He deserves at least that. Whatever the reason he was over here, he deserves at least that.

Answer 90

What Remembrance Day means to me - first of all as a european born and raised it means that numerous family members gave their lives against their will - they were simply drafted - it reminds me of comments that these people died for " freedom" that we have forgotten to appreciate. We choose to destroy those lives others protected by the way we live.

Remembrance Day reminds me that we are pawns in the hands of those who push the buttons for their own ego trip. I mourn the loss of those who passed on, yet I envy them because that do not see the mess we created with our "FREEDOM".

Answer 91

We'll watch on TV (hb, son,daughter, me) When the kids were both in elementary school I would take them down to City Hall, Toronto. We also own "In Flanders Fields" and "High FLight", which put very human face on quiet pain and sacrifice of war.We keep focus on veterans and service people, remind them of family history, reinforce how lucky they are for the lives they enjoy in a country that supports people's freedoms

Answer 92

Since I have to work, I'll take a minute to say a prayer and remember.



Having been to the cemeteries in France and looking at all those graves from both world wars I have seen the loss we suffered in the fighting. I have walked the killing grounds and looked over the grave markers.



I thank all those who have given us the freedom we have today and for the ability to achieve as much as we can.

Answer 93

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axYHU



Many fine young men died without enjoying much of their lives in order that Britain was not dominated by many agressors. I know this means very little these days to a generation or two who were not born or were certainly not informed of the recent history during their time at school. Just however reflect on the young men who died of exhaustion or were shot by the Japanese on the infamous Death Railway in Thailand or in the prison camps all over the Far East. ' For Us, They Gave'

Answer 94

When I was growing up in the 70's I was under the impression it was to remember soldiers on BOTH sides who sacrificed their lives because of being caught up in the machinations of conflicting international politics;

- to remember the pain and destruction, devastation and tragedy to humanity;

- that war brings suffering and death to healthy and contented people;

- that we should remember that war is wrong, and we should avoid it and prevent it as much as possible.



Doctor John McCrae served humanity, helping the injured men from both sides.



Now it seems we should remember only our side, and apparently that war is OK, even honourable.



Will humanity ever learn to live in harmony, basic mutual respect, and peace ? Conversely, will we NOT remember, and thus repeat history --- wars, more and more wars ?

We ought to remember our soldier's pain and anguish and suffering and sacrifice, and learn to keep everyone safe, Lest we forget, and repeat wars perpetually.

Answer 95

To me Rememberance Day means courage, it means sacrifice, but mostly it means freedom. We live in the geatest country in the world, and many paved the way for us to be able to do that. We need to always remember that our freedom could be taken away from us at anytime, and the people that make sure that this did not and will not happen need to be honoured. Lest we never forget...Let them all rest in the most glorious peace.

Answer 96

Remembrance Day to me means reflecting on the sacrifice that thousands of men and women of the Forces made in order for me to have the liberties I am accustomed to today. Liberties such as voting and living free. For that, I am truly thankful and will never foget their cause.

Answer 97

Im not sure how to answer that, but I will do it honestly (Controversial as hell but it's what I feel, so bring on the thumbs down):



I have respect for someone who take up the cause for someone else.



My heart goes out to the Children left w/o a parent, the mothers left w/o their children, spouses w/o they're partners... I really pray for your pain to heal someday, one day...



With that being said im TOTALLY against war. Its brutal, violent & I simply just do not understand how grown-men, leaders of nations resort to violence. I remember ppl would say "my rights were fought for". I dont understand that.



I wouldn't allow anyone to resort to violence on my behalf that would entail innocent people getting hurt... and not just one or two... but hundreds of thousands. My soul, My being cannot get behind that.



Remembrance day in 2007 just reminds me of the war that is happening right now... My fellow Canadians are taking up the cause for someone else and Im proud, but its through war... so can I get behind that?

Answer 98

I was born on November 11, 1971, and rembembrance day to me is very special, not because it is my birthday, we hardly celebrated my birthday for a few minutes on that day, My father was a war world 2 vet, and every remberance day, all of us, including my brothers,watch the cermonies on television and when 11:00 a.m. came, we went up to the cethoph laying our poppy for all of the fallen soliders. Remberance day should be about the world war 2 vets, vietman and all of the wars, we should not be in Iraq, but we are we should be proud of the men and women trying to be peacekeepers over there and we all should cry for the fallen, not only over there but for the war world vets, if it was not for them we would not have our today. "They gave their lives yesterday, so we can have today."

Answer 99

Both of my Grandfathers fought in WWII, my Mother's father who is now passed was in the navy so he was in the war from start to finish. He wore glasses so he wasn't able to be out at sea in case his glasses reflected light but he stayed on the east coast in Canada working with the new troops before they were sent out. Every year we would go with him to the National War Momunent to observe and participate in the ceremony there.



My other grandfather truly experienced the horrors of war. He is still with us and just now, at 87 years old, is he able to even talk about his time overseas. He was an engineer which means he was on the front lines from day one all the way through to end of the war. As a matter of fact he almost didn't make it past his first day. When they were getting off the ships into the rafts to go ashore my grandfather slipped and fell into the water, he couldn't swim and had all his gear on. His commanding officer pulled him into the boat with one hand saving his life before he had even seen battle.



He was the one who looked for landmines in front of the platoons. I really don't know how he made it back with no physical scars. Emotinal scars are a whole other story. We were never allowed to ask him about the war as we were growing up, the very mention of World War II would send him into full blown tears, to see your 6'4, strong, healthy, independant grandfather break down into tears is an image that stays with you always. He saw his best friends die in front of him but the really difficult part was the enemy. My grandfather as well as myself are of German heritage. Although our family had already been in Canada for generations it was very hard for him to shoot at people who looked like he did, who could have been his family. Don't get me wrong I'm sure it's difficult to shoot anyone but this made it all the more difficult.



Because of the difficulty he has with remembering he has never attended rememberance day ceremonies. It has always been extremely important to me that he knows how much I appreciate what he did. About 5 years ago I started sending him Thank-you cards. I don't write anything in it, I simply date it November 11th and sign it with Love. Now a days the way I recognize Rememberance Day changes from year to year but one thing that remains constant is that card. He will always get one from me even when the time comes and he has to leave this earth my children will know who he was and what he did and I will bring a card to him where ever he may be resting so he knows I will never forget.

Answer 100

Both World War I and World War II occurred long before I was born. In every war, both sides presumably believe in the cause for which they are fighting. Usually the victor claims to have been vindicated and then promulgates the views that support its cause. Before the advent of television, radio, telephones and the Internet, it was simple to distort historical fact. However, even now it is nearly impossible to obtain a completely objective report on any war. Remembrance Day is to me, nothing more than a reminder that we glorify war. That we tell society to remember those who fought as heroes, rather than as young men who were sent to their deaths without necessarily knowing why. I have never fought in a war and I would never fight in one simply because I was directed to do so. I do not feel compelled to thank those who fought before me in World War I or World War II, any more than I feel compelled to thank those who fought in the American civil war, the American war of independence or in any other war. I do not "observe" Remembrance Day. It is nothing more than a sad reminder that some people still feel the need to kill one another over cultural, religious or political differences. Feel free to indulge yourself in whatever belief you wish to practise as long as it does not harm others and as long as you don't try to impose it on anyone else. That includes celebrating Remembrance Day however you see fit. Many who read this will tell me that the freedoms I enjoy, including the right to express these views exist only because people before me fought for that freedom. That is simply not true. I enjoy freedom because I choose to be free. I don't need and don't ask for anyone to fight for my freedom.

Answer 101

Remembrance Day is about remembering the price of freedom and those who paid for ours with their lives. It is about honouring the sacrifices of the families who lost loved ones, and who ultimately paid that heavy price also. It is a time to say thankyou to those who survived, and those who continue to serve our country.



My family has had a member serving in every generation since Confederation. I lost my Grandfather, whom I never knew in WWII, and two uncles in WWI. My father served in Korea and in the Congo as a peacekeeper. I served in Haiti as a peacekeeper.



I observe it by attending the service in our town and then heading off to the Legion to toast those who survive and those who continue to serve.

Answer 102

I join the celebration at the Cenotaph downtown Toronto.

Further I do not just wait for the Remembrance Day - each time I pass by a Remembrance wall or statute I say a silent prayer of thanks to those WHO died in the two World Wars and recently in Afghan & Iraq and also a blessing to their families for having those courageous Men & Women. I thanks them always for dying for FREEDOM & DEMOCRACY.

PEACE

Answer 103

Remembrance Day to me is a special day set aside each year meant to Honor the men and women who, in an act of love served their country, when their country needed them. It is a day to Honor those who made the supreme sacrifice to uphold the values that we hold dear. I thank God for those who served to keep our country safe, and to preserve what this great nation has become.

Answer 104

Initially, rememberance day makes me think a lot of my great grampa Joseph. He was in WW1 AND 2.

I had the privlige of knowing him for some years when I was really young, he passed when I was 8 years old of natural causes.

Rememberance day makes me remember how proud I am to have him and all the others that defend us and our freedom. It is a day to pay your respects to those who lost their lives trying to do so.

It also (every single R day) makes me wonder how even now...so many years since the first Major war, we still haven't found a better way of resolving differences.

It makes me fear for my children and thier children to come. We started with sticks and rocks and have already worked our way up to weapons of mass destruction. I think of this pattern every R Day and cry for our world.

Answer 105

It might certainly mean rembering what these great souls did for all of us...but more than ever...it reminds me that we may never see their kind again...at least on such a massive scale. Men and women readily giving their lives in the face of such horror. In a day when we have trouble sacrificing our turn in a Walmart line up....when we look for every edge over our neighbor....to see the type of selflessness that our veterans have shown. Sadly, it reminds me that there are so many out there who are not worthy of what these brave souls have done for them. I am sad...for them...their families...and for all of us...in knowing that the freedom they fought for is grossly taken for granted.

Answer 106

Remembrance day means to me , it means that each and every one of us should be very thankful for what those men and women did for us, not just on the eleventh but each and every day. the very least show your gatitude by buying a poppy, say hello to an ederly person. What Remembrance Day means to me, well it means Thanx, thank you very much.

Answer 107

Rememberance Day is the day when my family recalls my husband's dad. Our children did not have the honour of meeting him, as he passed away before they were born. We have told them different stories about him and other members of our families, and in doing so, have raised our girls to honour and respect November 11th as the day to appreciate their country's freedom. We keep them aware of what is going on around the world (age appropriate). We live near the airforce base where the Canadian soldiers who have died for us are flown in from overseas. We believe in honouring each and every soldier and we should never forget them....past or present.

Answer 108

Rememberance Day is the day we remember the fallen soldiers, of WWI & II and of other wars, who fought to preserve the peace and independance of our nations and to maintain the democratic societies and beliefs that we adhere to.

A moment of silence, if possible, and the wearing of the red poppy as a symbol of support.

Answer 109

We are taking our cubs group to the cenotaph here in St.Thomas Ontario.Also me and my siter are laying a wreath for the vets that served in Hong Kong during WW2 and in perticular my dads father who was imprisioned there from 1941-1945.He served with The Royal Rifles Of Canada.Shake a vets hand and say thankyou ,he/she will be extremely happy and may even cry but they will be tears of joy.I also served in peacetime in the navy aboard H.M.C.S Nipigon,H.M.C.S Ottawa,H.M.C.S Huron and H.M.S Coventry.

Answer 110

I used to think I knew but lately I've been questioning the actual causes of the wars. I have complete respect for the soldiers who fought and died and what they thought they were fighting for but I feel we owe it to them to dig through the reasons that lead to their ultimate sacrifices. We owe it to them all. Check out these links and start asking questions...



Zeitgeist:

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=5547481422995115331&q=zeitgeist&total=1715&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0



&



Endgame:

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=1070329053600562261&q=endgame&total=1570&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=5



The truth is none of us(the vast majority of people) really know the complete truths behind the wars. I'm not saying the truths lie in those links^, but they definately generate some questions that I feel are worth answering.

Answer 111

remembrance day means a lot to me because both of my grandfathers fought in the wars. On remembrance day i wear my poppy proudly and wear it on other days not just November 11. On November 11 we remember all our fallen solders and we are proud because they fought for our country they are what made this country such a good place to live in! without them our country might not be as successful if it weren't for the solders that fought for us. i am proud to call myself Canadian and i am not afraid to tell people. i love my country and i love the solders who fought for us and when people disrespect remembrance day it just kills me because they might not have been standing there if it we rent for those solders, they should bow there heads in silence and respect the fallen solders who did our country proud!

Answer 112

to me it means Freedom in the country I live in which is Canada.. If it were not for the bravery of the men & women who fought in the two wars to help keep us safe who knows what it would be like living in this country if it did not happen

so to the fallen soldiers who I am ever thankful to & who have my total respect .. I give you your day Remembrance day & yes I say a prayer for all of them in my moment of silence

Answer 113

I keep in mind on how my relatives served in the wars, I remembered a few years ago, I did some family background research, thanks to the help of my parents and grandparents, and wanted to know about who in my family served in the war, and came across a fair amount of those in my family that served in the wars and their service/military numbers and every day I give thanks to those who risked their lives so all of us can live in the freedom that we so much take for granted....thank you! Happy Remembrance Day!

Answer 114

Rememberance Day reminds me of the sacrifices our soldiers made and are continuing to make as theylay down their lives for us. I am proud of our soldiers past, present and future,i think often of them and not just the dangers, but the separation they go through from their loved ones and the courage and bravery (of both soldier and family )as they defend our country.

Answer 115

Christ died for our souls, Canadian soldiers died for our freedom. Every November 11th, every Canadian citizen, regardless of religious belief, should be attending a Remembrance Day Service . One hour of your life to pay respect to their whole life !

Answer 116

To me, Remembrance Day means that we should all remember the suffering that war brought to human kind and all of us should strive for world peace. No more war!

Answer 117

To me remembrance day is bitter sweet ...thinking of all the men and women that lost their lives fighting for our country.. .makes me feel sorrow for them and their love ones..so if any veterans read this THANK YOU !!!!!!!!..if anyone knows or sees a veteran take the time to say hello and thanks.and not only on Nov 11 .every day ..my fondest memory's of my late grandfather are going to the legion with him so i will be going to the legion on nov 11 .i will also buy the vets a round at the bar later in the day..annonomissly..

in closing THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED OR IS HELPING OUR GREAT COUNTRY...CANADA... legion membership is low ...if your not a member why not inquire aout becoming one? thanx

Answer 118

Remembrance Day is a special time to reflect on all the brave souls who stood up for freedom and our rights - we owe them so much.

Answer 119

Remembrance Day....I think about that a lot actually. I remember as a child always doing something for Remembrance day...I always knew it had something to do with the wars, and I always knew it was special...I had a classmate once who brought in her grandfather's war gear. She brought in his helmet that was damaged, his awards, part of his uniform...Can't remember what else. Getting older, I started to understand more. I started to realize that Remembrance Day for me was more than remembering the wars and those who died, it became a day for me to be thankful for my life. My grandparents were in Holland at the time of the second world war. They could have easily died. But they didn't...they were saved by the Canadian Soldiers. My grandmother told me once that when the Canadians came to her city, she ran out to greet them and gave one of the soldiers a wooden broche...the only piece of jewelery she own...to thank him. I'm so thankful to those Canadian Soldiers who took back Holland...If they hadn't, I wouldn't be here. For that, I'm deeply debated to them. On my father's side of the family, my grandfather's older brothers served in the wars, a couple of them never made it home. The wars touched both sides of my family in a huge way. I'm so tightly linked to both wars, and I never knew that before.



Remembrance Day has become much more than just remembering the World Wars...We're now starting to remember those who have died in Afganistan and Iraq. We remember those who lost their lives, fighting because they believed it was necessary. They fought and died doing their country a favour, and keeping us safe, regardless of what we may think of the war overseas.



We're starting to forget what Remembrance Day is about. Some are hoping it becomes holiday so they can have a long weekend in Novemember to get drunk, instead of remembering those who died. We're losing touch with the real reason to Remember Those who Died, Fought and Lived. We need to get back to those Days when Remembering our brave Soldiers was the most important thing in the world.



On Sunday, November 11, 2007, I plan to do my own Remembrance. I won't be attending a service, but I will be watching. I will recited to myself In Flanders Fields, and play You Raise Me Up, dedicating to the soldiers who protected life at the cost of their own. Because of them, I live and breath. I will Remember!



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 Life

Sarce hears amid the guns below



We ARE THE DEAD!

Short Days ago, we lived

Felt Dawn, Saw Sunset glow

Loved, and were LOVED

And now we lie, In Flanders Fields.



Take up our QUARREL WITH THE FOE:

To you from Failing hands with THROW

THE TORCH! Be yours to hold it HIGH

If ye break FAITH with US WHO DIE

We shall NOT sleep

Though Poppies grow....In Flanders Fields.

Answer 120

Remembrance day is a day for all those heroes who has fallen. A moment for all the innocents, who has survived the horror.

Peace to all.

Answer 121

Remembrance Day is the day we honour those who gave their all to keep us free.



I usually observe it by honouring the minute of silence at 11:00 if I can.

Answer 122

Rememberence Day to me is very improtant. At this time of year, we celebrate all the men and women who served in previous and current wars abroad. They spent a lot of time dedicating their life for future generations.



As a student, my class will be raising money to buy a brick to be placed in a monument involving Rememberence Day. (Im not quite sure what kind of monument yet). Also my scout troop and I will be participating in our local Rememberence Day parade.

Answer 123

Rememberance day is a day to thank your lucky life that your not a supressed person.

People died for an idea an that idea was that people should be free, me I agree with that, back then and now. O Canada...

Answer 124

For me Remeberance Day is about remembering all the awful things people have done to eachother over the course of history, not just World War veterans and such, though they are a part of it, of course. I think we have to remember these things if we hope to avoid them in the future. I'm not sure who said it, it may just be my mom but I think it's well put: "He who forgets his past is destined to repeat it". I wouldn't want humainty to relive the past, in particular with the technology we have now... it would be sad for us to destroy ourselves.

Answer 125

Remembrance Day is to remember all of the people who fighted for our country and who are fighting for our country right now.

Answer 126

I will pray for all soldiers at The 11Th hour of The 11th day of the 11th month. My father served and I am proud to be Canadian. I wish health to all who have served and now serve for our great nation.

Answer 127

Words truly can not express what Remembrance Day means to me in my heart. I think of just these two words and tears come to my eyes.

Thank you.

Answer 128

I want to say thank you to all the men and women who took part in W.W.1 and W.W.11, without you our world would not be as it is today, we all must learn to appreciate FREEDOM, as that was what you were fighting for, THANK YOU ALL.

Every time we see a car with a veterans number plate on, we should say thank you to that person, after all, they were the ones fighting for us, l know l will,

God Bless them all.

Answer 129

I'ts my mothers birthday on the 11th and as well as the day my grandfather passed away (15 years ago). It holds heavy in my heart being able to reflect on such a special day that has given us all something to remember in our own special ways.

Answer 130

I don't think that Rememberance day affects teens like me as much as it should.

For the boys its "cool they got shot," and for the girls it's "Yea a school holiday!"But I'm differnt. I'm only 14, but it has a big impact on me.



My father, or grandfather never faught in either war, as my grandfather was too youg during WWI and too old during WWII. And dad wasn't born during WWI and was too young during WWII.



But y grandmother told me about her brothers and cousins who all passed away during WWI.



For Rememberence day I'm going to remember them, along with this very famous poem:



In Flanders Fields, the poppys grow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place, and in the sky

The lark, still bravely singing, fly



Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the dead, short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow

loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields



Take up our quarrel wth the foe

To you from failing hands we throw

The tourch; be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In fanders fields



Ths is one of my all time favorite poems, and although I don't get a chance to g anywhere on Remberance Day, I stop whatever I am doing at 11/11 and have a minute of silence to remember those who passed away. Ten, I quietly recite that poem to myself.



How many other teenagers nowadays do that?



I will always remember, even when the world has forgotten those brave men and wemon who lost their lives so that we can be safe in Canada today?



I will remember.



I just want to add:

Today in school, we had our remberance day cermony, and it

made me realize that by the time I have kids, there will be no WWI veterens left, since there is only currently 1 left in all of Canada, and very few WWII veterens.



This will be really sad, because when we have rememberance day ceromonies, the veterens from our area come and say about during the war. My kids won't have that, and it makes me feel bad.



We have one of those trays in the lobby of the school with all the poppys in it that you put money in it.



One of the boys looked at the teacher and said "why do we have to pay for the poppies?" So, the teacher told him that he money went to the veterns and their famlies. He looked at the teacher and said, "Well, they don't need our money. They get money from the province just like all the other old people."



It's that kind of ignorance that makes me feel ike the veterans died in vain. I know they died for our country, but with people like him around, it makes me feel like the veterens will be forgtten as soon as their gone, people will stop remembering them. I feel like mant people will stop wearing poppies.



But I won't.



I'll never forget.



REMEMBER THE VETERANS. REMEMBER THE PEOPLE WHO DIED FOR OUR COUNTRY. DON'T LET THEM DIE IN VAIN.



Aways wear your poppy.

Answer 131

I will once again remember my father, a WW1 veteran who fought at Vimy Ridge, was wounded and then returned to duty in France.To me, he was, is and will remain, a Canadian hero who fought to preserve the freedom I and my family enjoy today.

Answer 132

I will be thinking of my grandfathers and uncles who served not only our Country but this World. They were not only looking to preserve the Canadian or American way of life, but Life itself.

Something I am afraid we all take for granted everyday.

God Bless them All who fight today and then.

Answer 133

It is a time to remember those who stepped up and fought for the people of Canada. We must remember those who did not come back and died for our country.



We must be thankful to these men and women who fought so we could be free. They are our true heroes and we must never forget their sacrifice.

Answer 134

I remember people who die this minute in war zones all over this globe, soldiers and civilians, children caught in war, especially the latter, they don’t know what they die for, all they want is live a life in peace but they are denied even growing up.

Answer 135

Freedom



The freedom of my Country, given to me by many young men and women who gave their life so the future of my Country could be free. To them I will always be grateful, not only on Remembrance Day do I give thanks to them but everyday, for without them we would not have the freedom we have today.

On the eleventh day and eleventh hour I will bow my head in silence and truly give thanks to all that gave me what I have today.

Answer 136

Remembrance day I learn it in my younger years at school.We were explained what it meant.Since that day I always respect it.I keep my silence for the soldier that fought for us and died.I always by the flower in their memory.Please accepted my apologies cause I don't know how to say flower name in English

Answer 137

I come from a family of soldiers. My grand-father and his brothers were soldiers during the 2nd world war and so was their father before that. My grandfather, to the day he died, refused to talk to me about the horrors of war. The stories I heard were stories told by their nephew, my uncle, who was at that time old enough to understand and experience the pain and hardship that war brings.



I distinctly remember him telling me that during World War II, the Japanese and Korean soldiers were merciless. It was during the Death March from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga in the Philippines that my grandfather and his brothers suffered the most. They were held captives by the Japanese and was forced to walk for days under torturous conditions. They were not given any food or water to drink. If they fell because of exhaustion, strayed from the path or tried to escape, they were immediately bayoneted. I have even heard of stories where some were also beheaded.



As the soldiers passed by small towns, residents were also tortured and killed if they attempted to help them walk or gave them water or food to eat.



It is here that my uncle told me of a very special lady who walked with her brothers from Mariveles to San Fernando. She was my grand-aunt, their oldest sister. She walked the whole way through, taking a chance, throwing bags of food in the middle of the walking crowds hoping against hope that whoever picks it up would happen to be walking beside one of her brothers and share the food. She risked being raped, tortured and killed all for the love of her brothers.



You see, my grand-father and his brothers and sisters were all orphans at a young age. My grand-aunt being the eldest, took it upon herself to take care of all her brothers and sister. There were seven of them in all. She never married, her one goal in life is to make sure that all her siblings grew up and had successful lives.



So you ask, what does Remembrance Day mean to me? Remembrance Day is that one day of the year that I remember the special men and women in my life: my grand-father who I dearly love and his brothers and sisters who played a vital role in making him who he was. If not for people like them, there would be no freedom to speak of.



To this day, I tell anyone who is interested in listening. I am proud of my heritage, my family's part in history.

Answer 138

Remembrance Day is the epitome of freedom, i will observe it by watching the veterans parade, watching documentaries, reading their stories but most of all, appreciating more each day what we have, because of them.

Answer 139

It is the VETERAN , not the preacher

Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN , not the reporter,

Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN , not the poet,

Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer,

Who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer,

Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN , not the politician,

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN ,

Who salutes the Flag,

It is the veteran ,

Who serves under the Flag,





ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,



AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

Answer 140

Frist thing,,,should be a day of thankfullnes...People,,men and woemon gave there lives for us to have what we have..To me its should be more of a holiday then family day...right up there with Canada day. Terry

Answer 141

I am grateful to all the men and woman who made it possible for us to stand in nice clothes and food in our stomachs and thank the people who fought and died for our freedom. I also get angry at the world leaders who are determined to repeat our mistakes.

Answer 142

Remembrance, reflection, meditation, forgiveness, empathy, charity, regret, horror, sadness, warmth, happiness, loneliness and above all love.

Answer 143

rememberance day used to be for me remembrance of the those who sacrificed for all. Now, its a deeply sad reminder of the day I had my mother's funeral. Just depresses me on that day remembering my mother's painful death.

Answer 144

My grandfather was merchant navy in WWl. My father and uncle were army in WWll. I think of them, and there mates, and the lengths they were willing to risk their lives preserving our freedoms.

It disturbs me that large retail is open that day, and one thing I never do is shop on that day. We really didn't need the freedom to buy cake mix or underwear on the day devoted to their memories.

Answer 145

I will observe it by wearing my poppy and shaking the hands of vets I see giving them out and thanking them. I will take my moment of silence as well.

I am just appalled at how many people I see walking around NOT wearing one. (poppy)

Answer 146

I don't like to be sad on Rememberance day because I think we should celebrate the people who gave their lives for our country to be free. I believe we should take time to stop and remember and honour what they did, but not be sad.

Answer 147

with this same love overseas trying to help others and we have a difficult time understanding this love and question it. We need to remember the sacrifice that has occurred and the love felt by so few of us today



remembrance day to me means remembering that we are all human and all the same regardless of where we are from We all have the same basic needs and love is key. I will observe it by teaching my children love and acceptance, as well as compassion, kindness and the necessity of selfless actions - actions that benefit others more than yourself.

Answer 148

This would be perfect for a weekend away, maybe not a big classy holiday but if you like peace and quiet and just time away from city life then this would be for you.

Answer 149

I will also reflect upon the days I spent as a member of the military standing on parade and talking to the veterans at the local mess or legion afterwards. This was long enough ago that there were still a good number of WW I veterans in attendance and I spent most of that time with them. Hearing the stories of Ypres, The Somme, Vimy, Mons and so many other battles from that war from the men that were there is something I will always treasure. But what I will remember most about all those men is the silence, the distant look in their eyes, and that many of them were brought to tears at the mention of the name Passchendaele.

Answer 150

The economy was so bad in Canada when my grandfather got back they took the weapons off the men as soon as they could - They were afraid of what those well trained soldiers might do when they discovered what the politicans did in their absence -This is what my grandparents told me I have never read that in a history book at any time - I believe their account over that of the increaseingly "PC" versions of our history

Answer 151

remembrance means a lot to me because I was a infantry solider and I know what it means to give your life for your country, freinds and family.

Answer 152

It makes me think of all those who made the supreme sacrifice and how close we actually came to losing and I am thankful for everything we have. it also reminds me to help others .Can you help this family in dire need of assistance?



:http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2007-10-31.9663259330/groupaction_view

Answer 153

i think remembrance day is where we wear poppies to remember the canadian soldiers that died at war.

Answer 154

Respect for the fallen fighting for freedom.Honour them with solemn prayer.

Answer 155

Remberence Day Reminds Me Of The Soilders who (sobbs)Died in the war

Answer 156

As my 4 year old would say, it is when we say thanks to those brave enough to fight to protect the rest of us. We will be spending the day with those in my circle of family and friends.

Answer 157

how others gave thier lives so that I may live a life free of the constant battling

Answer 158

usually i take a 1 minute of silence with a poppy on my shirt and thats it

Answer 159

i try to remember all of the canadian lives that were wasted in wars.

Answer 160

well remembering day mean the world to me and I always remember thw people who told the world to fight against each other.

Answer 161

TO ME, IT REMINDS ME OF THE EIGHTIES AND NINETIES, AS A SERVING MEMEBER OF 2 PPCLI, I HAVE LOST MANY GOOD FRIENDS....ITS IS A TIME TO STOP,THINK AND REMEMBER WHOM THEY WERE...

NEVER FORGET......

SOON THINK OF ALL THE PROUD CANADIANS WE HAVE LOST...AND NEVER FORGET...THEY GAVE THIER LIVES SO YOU CAN LIVE EASIER...,,,ALWAYS

Answer 162

I wanted to answer your question in another way, but I can't.



I wanted to say how grateful I am to those who fought and died for our Country. And, I am.



I wanted to say how much I appreciate the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, merchant marine and airforce personnel. And, I do.



I wanted to say how much their sacrifices have always inspired me to be prepared to do the same if it ever came to that. And, it still does.



I wanted to say that I would pray for all our veterans; at arms, at will and at rest. And, I do and I will.



I wanted to say that I would attend an official government ceremony on Remembrance Day. But, I won't.



I am a Canadian - so, so proud of our veterans - all who are alive at home and away; all who have marched on to be re-united with us at some other place in God's own time.



I am a peace-time veteran. I have never seen combat. I have never been in a theatre of war. I have never taken part in a military peace-keeping or police action.



I wear the term 'veteran' very, very humbly because I know in my heart of hearts who the real veterans were and are. They were my family members - gone before my birth. They are my family members who gave birth to me. They are my uncles and my aunts. My brother. They are the parents of my parents, gone now, but like those I will remember on November 11 at 11 in the morning, still remembered.



They are the neighbours who I never met, and some of whom I have.



I will spend my Rememberance Day as I always do. At home, in silence with my thoughts; in prayer with my bible, and in rememberance of those who came before and who have passed beyond.



But, I will mostly spend my Rememberance Day in shame. God Bless us, not of the veterans. I am honored by their lives and deaths. I honor them as I honor Canada itself. They are the stuff of its veins, and the heartbeat of its spirit.



I am shamed by how little successive federal governments, of whatever ideology, have done for the very people who made it possible to keep our way of life alive. I am shamed by the paltry pensions made available to out veterans. I am shamed by the housing conditions some veterans are forced to live in.



I am shamed by the words of federal government officials on Rememberance Day. Except for those who were or are, themselves, veterans or service people, I feel profoundly that the words of politicians put on a show for themselves; that they want to be seen to honor our veterans, rather than to truly honor them.



I would rather privately recite, as a prayer for the veterans, as written by one, the words of "In Flanders Fields."



I wanted to answer your question in another way. But, I still can't. I am not a cynic, only angry. My shame will not pass until at least one government does right by all our veterans.



It is in the words of our children today, as I hear them talk about the wars and our veterans: as I see them wear the simple, red poppy; and, yes, even as I know them, in ever increasing numbers, to be attending memorials that I see the brightness of things to come.



Our children will make it possible for me to once again hear heartfelt tributes to our veterans. I look forward to that day, as surely as I see it in their bright wide eyes and honest emotional and intellectual interest.



I love that they love peace.

Answer 163

I think of POPPY DAY.

Answer 164

THIS is what it means.....



http://youtube.com/watch?v=KYlrrAWCTRg



Lest we forget......