WHY I'LL BE WEARING A POPPY

With every passing year, I see fewer and fewer people wearing a poppy. This year being the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, many Canadians have forgotten or know very little about this war.

There are only about 33,200 surviving Second World War veterans in Canada. When they and my generation of baby boomers, whose parents were greatly impacted by the war, pass on, what history of this event will be preserved?

The Second World War generation has been called “the greatest generation.” In Canada, women worked in armament factories. They toiled as welders, electricians, aircraft assemblers, and much more. The right of living in a democracy was at stake.

Canadians fought in Italy, France, Northwest Europe and in the Pacific theatre. Over 5,900 Canadians are buried or commemorated in war memorials in Italy. Canadian forces suffered more than 6,300 casualties to open Antwerp. This Battle of the Scheldt Estuary was a costly victory.

Our “greatest generation” fought and died for the freedoms and democratic way of life that many of us take for granted. Without their determination, courage and perseverance the outcome of this war could have been much different.

The Moro River Canadian War Cemetery near Ortona, Italy, has this message on a granite stone: “Their Name Liveth For Evermore.” On this Remembrance Day in Canada in this infamous year of 2020, let us focus on remembering the sacrifice of these brave men and women.

Also, let us embark on educating ourselves about the lessons of the Second World War. Please wear a poppy on Remembrance Day. That is why I wear a poppy. Lest we forget.

John Thomas Higginbotham, Welland, Ont.

People often leave their poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa.