On Nov. 11 across Canada and much of the world, we will take the day to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty.
Nov. 11 marks the end of the First World War, which ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, a conflict in which more than 60,000 Canadians died to defend the freedoms and values we enjoy today.
Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces, who gave their lives to defend their country. The freedoms and rights we enjoy today, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to vote, came at a cost.
Whether in the First World War or many other conflicts, many selfless men and women paid the ultimate price to protect our way of life.
On the fields of Flanders, where many soldiers died during the First World War, poppies began to grow among the graves. Today, we wear a poppy on Remembrance Day to show our respect for the fallen, and to remind ourselves of why they gave their lives to defend our freedoms.
As we remember the sacrifices made for us by countless brave men and women we have never had the chance to meet, let us also remember to thank the many veterans who are still with us today, and those currently serving in the Armed Forces.
We are forever in your debt.
Donna Barnett is our Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA.