The price of freedom

“Lest we forget” are three words uttered in many countries to show our remembrance of those who have fought, suffered and died for freedom.

It means that we will never forget.

As American revolutionary Thomas Paine wrote: “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”

Being politically correct is not acceptable to me, not to our Canadian veterans and all the war heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

Paying tribute should never be an option, rather, it is a duty, a deep-rooted commitment.

The servicemen and women who fought and died for Canada during wars and conflicts for the cause of freedom that we all enjoy today are remembered in messages of “gratitude, thanks and appreciation.”

There are messages of hope, and the placing of memorial wreaths to honour their service and sacrifices.

Many will say that Remembrance Day services are a matter of religious freedom. They are so very wrong. It is a matter of respect and remembrance.

Political correctness has no place in disrupting this solemn commemoration. Their sacrifices are instilled to be remembered by all; indifference and cynicism only promote apathy and disrespect.

We Will Remember Them.

John Fefchak, Virden, Man. John Fefchak is a chief warrant officer with the Canadian Air Force (Ret.)