A time for remembrance

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This article was published 03/11/2021 (573 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On Nov. 11, I will once again, after a one year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, have the honour of attending the annual Remembrance Day celebration, organized and hosted by Norwood-St, Boniface Branch 43 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

This will be a sombre occasion, as we remember our young men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to secure the freedom we are privileged with here in Canada.

Today we live in a world where oftentimes we take for granted the rights and freedoms to which we have become accustomed. On this day, when we honour those who have fought for our country and our freedom, it is hard to find the words to express just what they have given each and every one of us.

Think for a moment what life would be like if not for those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for us all. There would be no democracy, which gives us the freedom to vote for our politicians, who represent us on our behalf in government. There would be no human rights, which keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from persecution and violence, and enable us to lead our lives in peace. There would be no freedom of speech, allowing us to express ourselves without the fear of serious reprisals, and harm coming to us and our loved ones. There would be no freedom of beliefs, allowing us the religious freedoms to worship as we see fit.

Remembrance Day is not just about war and those we have lost, but about what we stand for. It is about respecting our past, looking hopefully forward and, more than anything, about thanking those who have served. To all the veterans out there, thank you for all that you have given us, it is a debt that can never be repaid.

This Remembrance Day, please take a minute of silence to honour our fallen heroes; the least we can do is give them a moment, as they gave up a lifetime.

Andrew Smith
Lagimodière constituency report

Andrew Smith is the PC MLA for Lagimodière.

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