I don't know how many people caught the Ottawa Remembrance Day ceremony yesterday on TV, but it was moving. (Watch it at ctv.ca if you missed it.) It was incredible to see such a large crowd -- apparently the largest in years -- in such inclement weather.
I found out that there is an online resource where you can check out enlistment forms from World War I, and I was able to find my great grandfather's. I don't know if such a tool exists for World War II, which my grandfather fought in, but if there is, I'd love to know about it.
Over the years I have noticed a dwindling understanding of and appreciation for Remembrance Day, mainly amongst young people. This is due primarily, I think, to the fact that memories of these wars are getting more and more distant. Today's children are, for the most part, not born to grandparents who served. The idea that one would have to give up everything -- and in many cases, be forced -- to fight in a far off country land is so foreign to my generation and the following ones.
I will always do whatever I can to promote remembrance on this day and to support our military however I can. I've even thought of joining, and who knows, maybe I will. I recently joined the board of the foundation of the Naval Museum here in Québec City, which is a very tiny contribution, but it's at least something.
Never forget!
UPDATE: Good post by Steve Paikin.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 5:22 PM
