Lest We Forget. Canadians have marked Remembrance Day since the Great War ended on November 11, 1918. From coast to coast to coast, we gather to recognize the sacrifices Canadian troops have made in wars, conflicts and peace-keeping missions around the world for more than a century.
The sacrifices our women and men in uniform have made are a big reason that Canada has such an impressive global image. They’ve freed people from tyranny, kept the peace amidst civil strife and delivered relief in the aftermath of disasters.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s commemoration will be different. Organizers of Remembrance Day events are holding smaller events and avoiding crowds of people standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Many of us will decide it’s wiser to remember our fallen heroes from home or the workplace.
Whether or not we attend a ceremony in person, it’s important to take a few moments to ponder the debt we owe to those who risked everything to ensure we continued to enjoy our way of life in one of the most democratic, equitable and incorrupt countries in the world.
The blood of thousands of Canadian troops has preserved for us a system of government, justice and public services that makes our country the best place in the world to live.
This Remembrance Day let’s stand in solidarity with each other and those who have gone before us and honour their legacy.
In solidarity,
OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer