November marks the time of year where we hit pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Every year on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause, take time for silence and reflect.
It can be hard not to feel detached and disconnected from those events which took place so long ago. We have enjoyed peace and prosperity for a long time, and life seems to move at a predictable pace and movement. However, it is important to remember these events for two reasons- the sacrifice and the lessons learned.
Sacrifice
In World War 1, there was a mass deployment to the front lines of the battle, and it cost 61,000 Canadians their lives, and many more were wounded. Men went to war and never returned the same as a result of trauma that occurred while fighting.
In World War 2, there was an even larger deployment of soldiers in action than the first world war. In total, 42,000 lost their lives on the front lines, and thousands were wounded. Canada assisted in defeating Hitler and his horrible regime, which resulted in the freedom of thousands who were held in concentration camps.
Lessons Learned
Through the acts of the war, we learn what happens in the world where tolerance, respect and love fail. When we begin to see division, segregation and intolerance, bad things happen. Allowing acts of hatred and stripping others of their dignity causes a mass movement of tragedy, horror and pain. In both world wars, these characteristics were prevalent. The Nazi regime saw minorities as not worthy of life, and sought to remove them. In the first World War, governmental policy and alliances written on paper became more important that the people that got caught in the cross fire. Alliances got caught up in the war that was triggered with a single assassination which cost millions their lives.
This November, we remember the cost that was inflicted upon the nations of the world through intolerant acts and division. As political climates can heat up, it is important to take pause, to reflect and consider ways of resolve that promote dignity, respect, tolerance and love for our fellow man. November is set aside to remember, reflect and to resolve a “never again” approach to world wars and violence.
Prairie Insurance would like to take this time to thank our veterans for their sacrifice that was made for our country, and we would like to than those who are currently serving in our military. These brave individuals put their lives and time with their family on the line to ensure that Canada remains prosperous, economically strong, and safe from harm.
This November, stand in solidarity with the forces, and remember the lives lost in the past. We must remain diligent in promoting the virtues of non-violent approaches to conflict wherever possible!