On Nov. 11, Canadians will gather at cenotaphs across the country for Remembrance Day observations.
The day is a time of solemn observance to remember those who served and sacrificed for their country and to honour those who are serving today.
The number of Canadians who have served in wars and military actions since Confederation is slightly less than 1.9 million, and the number of Canadians who have died during wars and armed conflicts has topped 113,000.
Those numbers are important, but wars have had more far-reaching consequences.
Some of those who served had lasting injuries after their military service. Many returned home after the various wars and peacekeeping missions, forever changed by their experiences. And the casualties of war go beyond those who served in the military, with civilians paying a steep cost for the armed conflicts taking place outside their doors.
Families were affected, in some cases with children growing up without a father and in other cases, with family members wondering if someone missing in action might still be alive.
No one who has been affected by a war would want to see the experience return. There are grim consequences of wars and armed conflicts, and the price can be extremely high.
Remembrance Day is a time for reflection and a time to reaffirm a commitment to working for peace. The day must not become a display of patriotic pride or an opportunity to encourage young people to enlist in military service. The ceremonies must not be used as a time to protest government regulations or utter cries for freedom.
Moving in such directions detracts from the purpose of Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Canadians have served in numerous wars, and that service must be recognized. However, the goal is to ensure such events are relegated to the realm of history and are not repeated in the future.
