Yesterday morning we were led in our Remembrance Day Assembly by our Grade 2 class. It was a wonderful time to reflect together on the sacrifices of so many men and women so that we can live with such freedom. Much of the reflection took place while the Grade 2 students taught us about John McCrae, recited the beautiful poem, “In Flanders Fields”, and presented Louis Armstrong’s song, “What a Wonderful World” using sign language. We also observed a moment of silence between the “Last Post,” and “Reveille” were played by Band teacher, Louis Patrick, and we also sang the two verses of “O Canada” together.
Every year I find that like Thanksgiving reminds me of how much I take for granted the rest of the year, Remembrance Day reminds me of the incredible blessing it is to live in Canada. Of course, the reason why I consider it a blessing to live in Canada is down largely to the sacrifices of men and women who literally put their lives in danger to protect the freedoms which I so often take for granted. Canada wouldn’t be the place it is without those sacrifices made by others and can only be a place of peace if we all make sacrifices large and small. Much like it is easy to live without gratitude and be perpetually wanting more, it is easy to be cynical about our country and those who lead it and to focus only on our own rights and freedoms often at the expense of thinking of others.
Remembrance Day does not just remind me of the sacrifices of others but also reminds me that I must make sacrifices so that all people in Canada and around the world can live in peace. While this can certainly seem daunting, I believe that seeking to live out the words in Micah 6:8 is a good place to start.
