389 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND Together We Remember Every year on Remembrance Day we come together and remember. But what do we remember? Do we remember that soldiers died for us or do we remember the horrifying tales of war? Since the pandemic started, we have seen the heroism acts of our armed forces who have stepped up to the line of duty to ensure the safety of others, risking their own lives in the midst of a pandemlc. From helping the nation get vaccinated to being deployed in tong-term care homes our armed forces have done more than we could have asked for. They have showed us the meaning of service and sacrifice. Remembrance Day is a day to remember that we must pay tribute to brave acts of veterans who have been killed or injured in the line of duty. Our veterans have served in many international conflicts such as the Korean War, World War 1, World War 2 and the war in Afghanistan as well as many peacekeeping missions. This year marks the 20th anniversary that provoked the Afghanistan war.We pay our humble respects to those who made an utmost sacrifice for peace, freedom and to make our world more prosperous. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the poppy in Canada. Inspired by John McCrae's famous poem, 'In Flanders Fields' Madame Anna Guérin of France decided to distribute poppies on the commemoration of the Armistice agreement which ended the First World War. This was Madam Guérin's way of honouring those who died and support veterans who had been impacted by the longstanding conflict. A 100 years later Anna Guérin's vision of the poppy lives on. On November 11 we pay homage to those who died in service of our country. We pause and reflect on the peace and lasting freedom we receive each and every day. We remember that the peace that we take for granted came with a price to be paid. The price that our comrades-in-arm paid. Our soldiers made an ultimate sacrifice not only to ensure their nation would be protected but to ensure all of the world could have the same liberties and human rights that Canadians enjoyed. It is our honour to honour those who martyred in service of our country. Since they lost so much and because they gave everything it is our duty to remember them and keep them in our hearts forever. From now on our future is their monument. On the 100th anniversary of the poppy, on behalf of this nation that stands tall, I would like to honour those who died by promising that people of all ages coast to coast, everyone everywhere will remember you.You gave us freedom and peace; this nation will never forget you or your fellow comrades. This debt can never be repaid. Every year on the 11th of November we will wear the red poppy with pride. Let's honour them with a moment of silence. Lest we forget.
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