Remembrance Day

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Today was Remembrance Day, on the 100th year anniversary of WWI. There is too much to say about the world war for a single blog entry, and at the same time too little. The solemn moment of silence was as powerful as ever, as was the solidarity of the people with the soldiers. Parades had a swell of pride and a sense of loss at the same time. It was a bittersweet day as it always seems to be. A day that made you feel important as a Canadian, as if you had been entrusted with a special gift. You are, and you have been.

We will never forget the sacrifices that were made for our country. The lives that protected our freedom and the toll that established us as an indispensable ally. Our nation is one that is born of war, that faced the worst conflicts in human history as a rite of passage and emerged stronger. Across the country people were forced to face the true gravity of war and its consequences. All at once we are aware of the glory of war and the reality of dying in mud on foreign soil. Canada takes from history the most important lessons and refuses to let them go. There is a sense among the people of the profound nature of Canada itself. Unrelenting, stoic, strong, and brave. We would not, could not quit. Even when tasked with the impossible Canada fulfilled its responsibility and defied defeat.

Just as those before us, I cannot quit. In the face of mounting threats and accusing stares I must remain vigilant. The nation that our veterans have fought to protect is slowly evaporating. It is unrecognizable now from the place they left one hundred years ago. Freedom and prosperity run the risk of being quietly subdued. A kind of rot has taken hold of the nation and is ravaging it from within. The government seems unwilling or incapable of taking the drastic measure necessary to correct our course. I hope that in time my actions can show that I am not the enemy of the brave men and women who have served this country.

The world will never forget the dedication of this land to the cause of justice. To forget the sacrifices and strength of character will not be permitted. Each and every single one of us will be made to look into the mirror and confront ourselves. We will be weighed against some of the most courageous people in human history. We will be reminded of what it is to never stop until the job is done, to accept victory humbly, and to lead by example. By this time next year we will be a full step closer to embracing our heritage and realizing our destiny.