Thursday, November 6th 2008

By stephanie eyison

     Nov. 11 is the day where we collectively celebrate life and freedom and most importantly, remember the sacrifices made by others so we may enjoy the peace that we so often take for granted. On this day, Canadians are asked to pause for two minutes for a moment of silence to reflect and remember the soldiers who bravely defended the country in harsh times and made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. Poppies are worn as the symbol of remembrance, a reminder of the blood-red flower that still grows on the former battlefields of France and Belgium and in some ways a signifier of the blood that has been shed during the wars that we have had to endure.

     On Monday Nov. 11, 1918, at the eleventh hour, the First World War was brought to a halt, commemorated by the signing of the armistice by the warring countries. The Second World War and the Korean War have also become a big part of what Remembrance Day is all about. 

     Many Canadians are already very familiar with these historical events and the traditional meanings for why we gather to remember on Nov.11 each year. However, do the power of the words war and sacrifice resonate as strongly with today’s generations?

     Dr. Philip Savage, a Communications Studies professor at McMaster held: “The meaning of Remembrance Day continues to evolve over time and we reinvent the narratives based on what we are experiencing.” Soldiers who are presently in Afghanistan and Iraq are now also remembered on this day. 

     What does this day mean to us individually, though? One can never be too sure or too quick to judge, but it is safe to say that the general atmosphere cannot be compared to that of other traditions or holidays. Dr. Savage denoted: “It meant very little to me, I saw it as old people walking around when I was younger but I am more moved it now.” He explained that even the older generation takes time to realize the essence of this day and reflect accordingly. It is thus no surprise that Remembrance Day does not, arguably, receive the recognition that we as a society bestow on other holidays. Dr. Savage, when asked about our present generation’s awareness of this day, said, “Generally, we are out of touch with our history and every generation is usually out of touch of the previous generations’ history.”

     Could it be that we as a society choose to remember the good, happy times and not the melancholy ones? Or do we just have little or no concern for it because it is not something that directly affects us? After all, we are no longer in times of war tantamount to the previous ones fought. Whatever our reasons may be for not appreciating and standing for those two minutes, Dr. Savage stressed that “[It is] important for the reflection of people on those who tried to serve others and give them the ultimate gift of live by laying down theirs.” 

     So on this day, I challenge all of us to put ourselves in the veterans and fallen soldiers’ boots, summon the courage that they had, imagine the sleepless nights and harsh conditions that they endured, how they left their friends and families behind in a effort to improve the conditions of their country. 

     Should this be too much to ask, then let’s simply make the effort to buy a poppy and wear it proudly as a tribute to those who fought for the peace and stability we possess. For two minutes on this day, let us remember those who fought for us.

Tags: history, Poppies, remembrance, society