Lest we forget

Yesterday went by, and the memories of important events in history were remembered by millions of people around the world. When dawn broke yesterday, an event took place in many parts of the world. It happens every year on November 11. It’s loaded with emotions. There is deep meaning, and there is history attached to it.

A service is held, signifying an important reminder for mankind.

Every year, on November 11, we are reminded about the value of life. We are reminded about stories of horror, and of the ultimate sacrifice.

Many people around the world, sadly, will never truly appreciate this day.

The significance of the day, unfortunately, will probably be lost to many people.

Our world has evolved over time. Change is fast and trends appear and disappear.

But on the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, millions of people around the world remember thousands of men and women who fought for what they believed in at the beginning of the last century.

We are indebted to them.

The pages of history tell us about the horrors in the trenches of the Great War — World War I.

Every year we have this day to acknowledge hundreds of thousands of brave soldiers who perished in a war that has been tagged man’s greatest cruelty to humankind.

Sadly, many of our young people know little or nothing at all about World War I.

Many of our children may not know where the Great War was fought? Or what Remembrance Day means?

As the years go by, the number of brave men and women who survived the war has diminished. Modern wars now happen ‘far away’.

We read about them on the internet, in newspapers, or watch them on television, in the safety of our homes.

Conflict zones are visible and brave journalists who risk their lives daily, bring the troubles of the world to our living room. We see death and destruction like what is happening in Ukraine for instance.

In history, Flanders in Belgium saw some of the greatest loss of life in the First World War.

Men died because of different ideals and thousands of them made the ultimate sacrifice.

Yesterday marked the official end of World War I in 1918.

As we reflect on this day, we surely can live with an important lesson, to be kind to our fellow human beings.

We should appreciate the sacrifices that were made, and appreciate peaceful co-existence.

We live in a great country.

Despite differences in ethnicity and religion, we have learnt to appreciate one another.

There are many lessons we can take from this important day because they keep alive the memories of men and women who helped give us the freedom we enjoy today. We reflect on life, and the values that make life enjoyable, and precious. We remember the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lest we forget!

■