At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, Remembrance Day was written into history. It was the day The Armistice was signed to end hostilities of the Great War of 1914 – 1918.

Despite all my constant immaturity and complaining done on hotstickybun there are few days out of the year that I actually buckle down and try to take my life seriously and act like an adult. November 11th, better known to most Canadians as Remembrance Day, is one of those days. I, like a lot of other families had relatives fight for this country whether it be in World War I, World War II, or even today in Afghanistan (amongst more) and no matter what the situation I will remember those brave women and men who serve and have served in our armed services, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our country.

More so more then ever today it’s imperative we remember the past. Share a thought for the people that made the ultimate sacrifice. Share another thought for the grief it caused their parents and siblings. Then spare a thought for the other side… those soldiers were not there by choice. They were sent there by orders of their governments and they didn’t want to die any more than our relatives did.

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The next time you sit down to watch a hockey game in front of your plasma television keep it in mind that if not for the sacrifices of these brave men and women that privilege may not have been there. Remembrance Day is a unique expression of solidarity for those who have fought, or are fighting, for democracy and freedom…something I think the majority of us take for granted most of the time.

Remembrance Day is a special day for me. I had and have known many courageous people who fought in the second world war. My Grandparents being at the front of the list. I never had the opportunity to meet one of my Grand Papies but the other one who came back spoke little of the battles and the carnage. He wasn’t alone and I fully understand why as I can’t imagine having to helplessly watch as your fellow soldiers all around you are dying…some only inches away. Why them and not him he probably asks. Thousands of troops lost and thousands of friendships perished forever.

Everyone needs to remind their children and grand children about the reason for the Remembrance Day celebration and the Poppy. To many times and to many people look at Remembrance Day as nothing more then a day off. Next year you see the poppy wear it with pride and take two minutes of your life to pause for those who gave the rest of theirs for you.