Remembrance Day is almost upon us again.
As the years pass and world events keep rumbling on, it is easy to forget why we should honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is easy to become jaded and cynical, to shrug our shoulders and ask “why are we still commemorating events that happened so long ago?” It is easy to see the Nov. 11 ceremony as an anachronism that bears no relevance to our modern lives, ignoring how our freedoms were so painfully won by the courage and service of others. It is easy to forget to wear the blood-red poppies that have become symbols for those slain in battle.
And yet ... and yet Remembrance Day is as relevant today as it ever was.
If nothing else it serves as a reminder of the horrors – and wonders – of which humans are capable. As the saying goes, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
Of course, for Remembrance Day to be really meaningful, people should honour, respect and thank veterans throughout the year.
That would be the true test of sincerity.
