November is a time of reflection, especially for those who have served time in war zones. One day of every year people gather to honour the fallen and the survivors. On November 11th, we stand together to thank all soldiers past and present for giving us the freedom to live in an amazing country.
Canada is a melting pot of ethnicities. As Canadians we pride ourselves on being open and welcoming and polite. I am proud to be a Canadian. This country was built on immigration. It is amazing to see people of every colour and creed gather together out of respect for those who have forged the way for us.
In those moments that we stand together, in front of epitaphs and uniformed men and women, it is such a perfect time to reflect on the values that this great country represents. Integrity, valour, honour, courage, peace and unity. These are deep-seated values in Canada.
I encourage you to attend your local Remembrance Day event. It can seem like a somber thing to do, but you can choose to view it as a patriotic act. It can also be seen as a great opportunity to unite with others in your community.
Make it a family ritual. Celebrate the victories and take time to thank a veteran while you are there. Teach your kids about the reason why it is so important to attend these events. It is far too easy to live a life completely removed from the sacrifices that have provided, and continue to provide a safe place for us to live.
Cloverdale holds a beautiful ceremony at the Surrey Museum. After the wreaths are laid and the moment of silence has passed, you can warm up in the museum. They have all sorts of great activities planned for the whole family. There are always goodies like hot chocolate and cookies too.
I realize that you may be wondering what prompted me to write this in a column about positivity.
My reason is this. The more we treat others with respect and dignity the better the world is at large. When we take time out of our busy schedules to show respect for our veterans we are lifting the energy around us. We are sharing love and appreciation. That is one of the best things we can do for ourselves too. So, I hope to see you all there. Lest we forget.
– Dawn Carson is an author and public speaker who lives in Cloverdale. She loves to help others find ways to live happier, more positive lives. Visit her website at DawnCarson.com.
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