Each year, from Nov. 5 to 11, Canadians join together to celebrate Veterans’ Week, and this year is no different.
Over the next week hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events will take place across the country to recognize the achievements of veterans and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Today, many Canadian Forces members are returning home from missions around the world. Canadians recognize the commitment made by these service men and women and their families. They, along with past generations of veterans, have made many sacrifices in the name of peace and freedom.
This Veterans’ Week, take the remembrance challenge. Veteran Affairs Canada is challenging Canadians to make remembrance more than something one feels; to make it something one does.
There are many ways to display remembrance and honour veterans:
– pin a poppy above the heart;
– attend the local Remembrance Day ceremony;
– talk to a friend or relative who has just returned home from Afghanistan or who served in other areas of conflict;
– listen to veterans talk about their experiences;
– post a yellow ribbon on one’s vehicle or home;
– create a mash-up and share it on the YouTube Channel and on Veteran Affairs’ Veterans’ Week Remembrance Feed;
– visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Facebook fan page and write on the wall;
– change Facebook profile picture to a poppy;
– blog, tweet or update Facebook status about the importance of remembrance; and
– download the “We Remember” mobile application.
Above all, Canadians must vow never to forget. However one chooses to remember, be sure to tell a friend, a family member or a colleague.
Together, it is Canadians’ duty to pass on the legacy and keep the memories of veterans alive.
This Veterans’ Week, how will you remember?
