Wednesday, November 8, 2006 · Page 11 The 20th century has been noted for its remarkable achievements and major progress in the human condition. But the century has also been shaped by repeated wars. Canada participated in a good number of wars, such as South Africa (1899-1902), WW I (1914-1918), WW II (1939-1945), Korea (1950-1953) and others, including current conflicts. Remembrance Day, held on November 11 each year, was established so that people remember the human sacrifices that Canada had to make to get through these many conflicts. But exactly what should we remember? First of all, the citizens that were moved to voluntarily serve their country. They came from farms, small towns and big cities situated all across Canada. These men and women signed up for many different reasons, whether it was patriotism, ideological beliefs, family tradition, a quest for adventure, or simply to get These war heros... a job. They shouldered the war effort in Canada, since they were the ones ready to fight, care for the wounded, prepare war supplies and provide the necessary economic and moral support. There are many elements that we must remember when thinking about the battles that occurred in distant regions, but mostly it is the people we must consider. With their acts, they brought honour upon themselves, on the people they cared about and even on their homeland. They were ordinary Canadians who made extraordinary sacrifices. In Canada, November 11 is a special day when we recognize the more than 100,000 Canadians who died in military service. The price paid by Canada, with its relatively small population, is high. That's why Remembrance Day exists, to remind us of the men and women who died while serving their country. Each year, ceremonies are organized at cenotaphs in cities and towns across the country while people pray, speak the names of those who are gone, and play the traditional bugle calls. The biggest ceremony is held at Canada's National War Memorial, in Ottawa. The Prime Minister, Governor General and the "silver cross mother", a mother who has lost one or more children in service, participate in the ceremony. Remembrance Day ceremonies allow former soldiers to remember and salute their comrades who died in combat, and reminds all Canadians to consider the sacrifices that these people have made, and the tragedies they've endured, On November 11, it's important to remember our fallen soldiers, but don't forget those who survived, and those currently deployed in other operations. (Photo by Sergeant Dennis Power, Army News). Write to soldiers on duty on their behalf. On November 11, it's very important to remember them. However, we shouldn't forget those who survived, and those currently deployed in other operations. The men and women of the Canadian Forces have demonstrated time and time again that they can rise to any challenge. Let them know that you appreciate their service by sending them a message. The Canadian Navy, Army, and Air Force need, in fact, all the best wishes possible. The Web sitehttp://www.forces.gc.ca/ site/Community/Messageboard/index_e.asp will allow you to not only send them an email directly, but also get the mailing addresses where Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed. Let's remember the men and women who shouldered the war effort in Canada, since they were the ones ready to fight, care for the wounded, prepare war supplies and provide the necessary economic and moral support. (Reproduced with the permission of Veterans Affairs Canada, 2006) This, like all Remembrance Days, is a time for deep reflection about the sacrifices that have been, and are currently being made by our troops around the world. A Debt of Gratitude Bosnia. Canadian Forces are currently involved in the ongoing mission in Afghanistan. Since 1949, 125,000 Canadian troops have been deployed in more than 50 peacekeeping missions around the world resulting in at least 116 deaths. As of the end of October of this year, 40 of our bravest and best men and women have been killed in Afghanistan. We offer unqualified support to our troops currently serving in Afghanistan and other locations around the world-- not as a political statement about the validity of their presence in these places--but as a recognition that they are there on our behalf and that, at minimum, we owe them and the thousands of their colleagues in past conflicts and wars, our deepest gratitude. To all of you--thanks. We will not forget. In Holland, on D-Day (Photo: Library and Archives Canada PA-140417) Lest We Forget... Iler Lodge Long Term Care Centre 111 Iler Avenue, Essex, ON N8M 1T6 Tel.: In the past century alone Canadian Forces have served with honour and distinction in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean conflict, resulting in the losses of over 100,000. In addition they have served in Kosovo and the First Gulf War, as well as making significant contributions to multilateral United Nations and other peacekeeping missions and undeclared wars in places such as the Suez, the Golan Heights, Cyprus, Croatia and 519-776-9482 WEAR A POPPY AND REMEMBER The Branch 201 Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day service is Saturday, November 11, at 10am at Essex United Church. The church is special needs accessible. This simple emblem, a red poppy, salutes the memory of those who sacrificed their health and strength, even their lives, that we might live in a free country. RBC Royal BankTM Mike O'Neil (At the tracks) 519-776-5296 Royal Bank of Canada 161 Talbot Street North Essex, ON N8M 2C6 Tel.: 519-776-5357 We salute our veterans this November 11th. From the Staff & Patrons of Local 201 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 201 103 Talbot Street North, Essex, Ontario