231 JUNIOR ESSAY, FIRST PLACE Zoe Huscroft There are 11 Reasons I Remember my Great-Grandfather I am 10 years old and this is my 11th Remembrance Day. I know eleven is an important number when it comes to this day. We celebrate Remembrance Day on the 11th day, 11th month, at the 11th hour. I don’t recall my 昀rst Remembrance Day, I was a baby swaddled in my mother’s safe arms, looking out at a dreary, grey November day. My mom held me close as the bugles trumpeted and she covered my ears as the crack of the guns 昀lled the silent sky. My mom does not know war, my grandpa does not know war, but my great-grandfather was a pilot in the Second World War. He was one of the lucky ones because he came home alive. He had a family, and he told his loved ones stories of the war. Now yearly my family stands in the cold drizzle, and although his stories have mostly been forgotten, we will not forget him or the thousands of soldiers who fought for freedom. What is it that our generation is asked to remember? I thought about it, and I came up and underlined 11 things to remember. We are not asked to remember the blood, guns or gore on November 11th, but the people who fought in all the wars, whether on water, in the sky, on foot, on horseback, or in vehicles. They sacri昀ced themselves to let us enjoy freedom. They lived through chaos then so we can have peace now. We remember the gift of democracy, our freedom of speech and expression that allows us to say what we want and be our true selves. Don’t take it for granted that you also safely enjoy the outdoors. Furthermore, at holidays and any special time, any regular place, we can celebrate our religion. All the children in Canada have the opportunity to get an outstanding and free education. At any time, we can get in a car, on a plane, and experience safe travel. We can have hope for the future because of global alliances with other countries that also fought for peace and freedom. Let us never forget.
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