On Saturday I hope we all take a moment to remember those who fought for freedom and to help preserve our way of life.
Many made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives so we do need to honour and remember them. What sometimes gets lost is the impact war has had on those who survived to return home without their colleagues, returned injured and full of encounters they just want to forget. There is nothing pretty about war and the impact to people and their families on either side of the conflict is far reaching.
I remember stories from my father of him growing up as a boy in Germany during the Second World War and playing in bombed out fields, hiding in bomb shelters during raids and moving from town to town. I never got to know my one grandfather as he died in the war. My other grandfather spoke of the tremendous turmoil and conflict he faced as a soldier. He was a paratrooper that got caught behind enemy lines and when he encountered the enemy both men couldn’t do what was supposed to be done. He never spoke about the gruesome realities of war, but cherished the fact that he survived.
War is not the only example of ordinary people giving of themselves for us citizens, those who work in policing, fire and ambulance services also put their lives on the line to protect us, save us and serve for the greater good. The firestorms and high water this summer were good examples of protective services making us grateful for their services.
I’m always humbled to see so many people attend the Remembrance Day ceremony each year, especially since many are younger, as we take time as a community to honour and remember.
I wanted to take a moment to thank all those who have in the past, continue to do so, or aspire to become protectors of our community, freedoms and Canada.
Lest we forget.
Andrew Jakubeit is the Mayor of Penticton and provides the Western News with a column twice a month. Contact him via email Andrew.Jakubeit@penticton.ca. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewJakubeit