Remembrance Day

Despite being in Canada since the late 90s, I think last year was the first year that I attended a Remembrance Day Ceremony.  I don't know if I remember Remembrance Day incorrectly during my elementary school and high school years but all I can remember about Remembrance Day was a moment of silence.  I understood that it was about remembering those who have served and fell in Wars.

This year, I attended two (2) Remembrance Day Ceremony.  The first one was held a day early and the other was today.  Yesterday, I was reminded that Remembrance Day can also be a day where we remember those are still serving.

After returning home, I did some light reading on Remembrance Day written by people this year.  Many of the writings talked about fighting for freedom and our Country.  What is freedom?  What was freedom to those who served and to those who fell?  Who is still fighting for freedom?

There were also writings on the pain and scars left behind by wars.  Experiencing pain, living with pain and imagining it is drastically different and the writings show.

I once heard a story about a man who would experience a heart attack at the same date, the same time and same second every year.  That moment being the moment his lover passed away.  I wonder for those who survived World War I, what they felt during the first moment of silence and every moment of silence thereafter.

Photo by me: Sunrise this Remembrance Day