BARRHEAD - Remembrance Day is not just another day off from work or school - or at least it was.
That is what Ben Kellert told a standing-room audience gathered in Barrhead Composite High School's East gymnasium for the community's Nov. 11 Remembrance Day ceremony.
In fact, Kellert, the lead pastor at Bethel Pentecostal Church, remembers when the day was indeed a day to remember the sacrifices of Canadian service people past and present.
"A day when families were together, and the poppy and the Cenotaugh were explained to the children," he said. "A time when it was no use going downtown as no one was open for business because the freedom that we enjoy was worth celebrating more than the almighty dollar."
Unfortunately, Kellert said, in the modern era, many people often regard Remembrance Day as an ordinary day and, at best, offer a moment of silence as a token gesture of remembrance.
"I love my Canada and the freedom that the countless individuals gave their lives, and those who were fortunate enough to return to their families were forever changed by their experiences," Keller said.
He added that while not everyone may agree with what is happening within the nation, he urged people to be thankful for the benefits and freedoms they enjoy living in Canada.
"I still believe that we are living in the best place in the world, and for that, we have our vets to thank," Keller said.
He then invited the people in attendance, past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP, to stand and for the rest of the crowd to thank them for their service.
Royal Canadian Legion president Karen Cartwright said the organization would continue to ensure the sacrifices of Canada's men and women in uniform, especially those who gave their lives to preserve the nation's values and principles, are never forgotten.
She also encouraged the audience to support the Legion, not only during its Poppy campaign, because of the organization's ongoing efforts to assist veterans in need.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
