Remembrance Day

A day to remember and be thankful for the people that fought for and still serve for our freedom, safety and security. We appreciate this day as it allows all of us time to reflect on what others have done so we may lead the lives we have.

When we were growing up, this day was of great importance in our house. We would be early, get dressed up, and make our way to our grandparent’s house about an hour away. When we arrived, our grandfather would be sitting on the couch waiting to see us. He was dressed in his white shirt and dress pants. Then when we were about to leave, he would finally take out his legion jacket, adjust the medals and place his head dress on. I can vividly remember sitting as we watched him. And as he aged, the routine may have been slower, but it never changed.

We lost our grandfather several years ago, but the traditions of respecting this day never dimmed. Specifically, because our father and great granduncle help remind us all of the importance of today. Our great granduncle, even into his 90s would get dressed in his Legion attire and speak at the local service. This year, however, the day is a little harder. We lost both our father and our great granduncle this year. So, for the first time in our lives, the people that we remembered for and with are gone. This loss has highlighted to us the need to continue this tradition of remembrance.

The words Lest we Forget seeming to be more important this year. So, as you remember today, consider the words of the American writer…

And the truth is that all veterans pay with their lives.

Some pay all at once,

While others pay over a lifetime.