Veterans must always be remembered for sacrifice
Re: Reader letter: Important to honour heroes of the past, too, by Christine Kociuk, June 20
In this well-presented letter, the comments take the COVID-19 conversation one step further.
No two ways about it, this pandemic will forever change our lives — where awkward challenges are sometimes met with reluctance, other times they are embraced with an inspiring sense of renewal.
In support of Kociuk’s recognition of health care providers and first responders who are dedicated to going above and beyond the call of duty, now more than ever, societies worldwide owe a debt of gratitude to all front line workers for their mettle and compassion.
Kociuk recalled the hasty comment she heard “by a youth last November about distaste for Remembrance Day.” That is no doubt a very disturbing revelation but foremost; a blatant sign of disrespect against all who had the privilege to serve.
Was that youth even aware our veterans (who donned their uniforms, filled the ranks and faced sacrifices) did so to preserve our Canadian democracy — safeguard those freedoms and fundamental liberties we enjoy that are often denied to many the world over?
In recognizing our youth for fostering the sentiment of remembrance, families throughout our community have seen how the Jr. Moose — the only active Jr. Moose Lodge youth group in all of North America (under Moose Lodge 1499) — have organized their annual Honour of Duty tribute ceremony for our veterans, as well as our military families.
For the past five years, the Jr. Moose have honoured the memory of our fallen. They carried a Poppy wreath in their hands and for some of these youngsters, it was the very first time they sang O Canada together while standing beside our veterans.
As Kociuk hopes that “we continue to thank and remember our historic saviours this Remembrance Day,” wherever we are on November 11 — be it together or alone, “we will remember them” will be a pledge and privilege that many can own and hold deep within their hearts … a promise kept.
Andrea Grimes, veterans advocate, Windsor