Remembrance day is coming, yet we tend to forget

RICHARD BENN-

On November 11^th men and women from across Canada and the world will pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of past and present wars. Although some people

Commemorative statues such as this one in Burlington, Ont. remind Canadians of what was given. Photo by Luisa Cicconi

feel this is just another day, many Canadians and Guleph-Humber/Humber students still feel this day should be treated with the respect it deserves.

“I don’t really think you can measure how much remembrance you need to do, it’s all the person,” says Brandon Rice, an Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technician for the Canadian Forces.

Growing up in a military background Rice understands the sacrifice these soldiers have made. For him, being able to help his country in any way is a privilege. He believes it is important for people to respect and understand the true meaning of this day.

“People go to work everyday and don’t think twice that others have given their lives, or are fighting in a situation where they may give their life,” says Rice. “It’s good there is a day that people can pay their respects to those who are keeping them safe.”

On November 11^th, the University of Guelph – Humber will be holding their third annual memorial service for Remembrance Day. The small service put on by staff as well as student volunteers, will include a slide show and a moment of silence to commemorate the soldiers who have fought for our freedom.

The events will be held in the atrium of the GH building, and staff and students are encouraged to attend.

“It is very important that we remember,” says Liana Acri, Student Life Coordinator at the University of Guelph – Humber. “It is important that we pass it on and continue to commemorate for others to know.”

Staff and students will have to opportunity to express their gratitude to veterans by sending them postcards in an event called Postcards for Peace. Students will write messages of thanks to veterans who have fought for Canada. The postcards will then be sent to the closest long – term care facility for veterans. For Guelph-Humber that long-term care facility will be Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.

Not only will students be able to express their appreciation through postcards, but poppies will also be sold at the front desk of the GH building and other locations.

Many Canadians pay their respects to the fallen by wearing a poppy. This symbol was chosen because of the poppies which would grow across many of the battlefields during the First World War. It was these poppies that inspired the poem In Flanders Fields which was written by Canadian John McCrea in 1915.

Canada, England, New Zealand, and Australia all use the poppy to symbolize the sacrifice soldiers have made for their countries.

However, with all the services, there are still many who do not understand the significance of this day and what these young men and women have sacrificed for our freedom.

“I think that a lot of this generation is kind of unaware or they don’t fully understand the significance of Remembrance Day,” says Rice.

While many feel the same way, others like third year Psychology student Oscar Ramirez feel it is something not to be taken for granted.

“It is important to take into consideration that our freedom has cost a significant price,” says Ramirez.

Ramirez believes that students do not think of this day or understand its meaning. He says that people should be more educated and more aware of the importance of Remembrance Day.

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