It's unfortunate, but true. We now have a new era or a new generation of veterans to remember on November 11.
The last of the First World War veterans left us just recently. A few stalwart veterans of the Second World War are still with us, helping to remind us daily of the sacrifices that are sometimes required to preserve peace and democracy.
The veterans from the Korean War, peace keeping duties and the Gulf War are not as numerous, but still very deserving of recognition and the Act of Remembrance for those of them who were left behind.
Then there is the current conflict to address.
The war in Afghanistan has raged on for about a decade, which is much longer than either of the two Great Wars and there have been precious lives lost as Canada lived up to its commitments on the battlefields of this foreign land, just like our soldiers, sailors and airmen did in the Second World War.
Yes, this most recent group who have observed the three Cs of war - commitment, courage and casualties - are with us now.
At last count, 154 Canadian military personnel have been returned home from Afghanistan in coffins to the home base in Trenton, Ontario, first mourned over there and again by family and loved ones when they get back home in Canada.
There have been thousands who have been wounded physically and psychologically by this war, just like those in both of the two Great Wars and Korea.
War is not glamourous. There is no Hollywood ending for those who engage and we must remember that every November 11.
So on Thursday, even if you aren't present at the Remembrance Day service in the Comprehensive School, we ask you to pause for a moment, from whatever you're doing at 11 o'clock in the morning to at least give a passing thought of remembrance to those who made it possible for you to be here enjoying your freedom.
This is a freedom that very few countries have. We are a society that is free from fear, free to make choices every day in our lives, free to make political changes when necessary, free to disagree.
That didn't happen by accident. The price was heavy and continues to be heavy to this day.
Our veterans, no matter what age they are, and no matter what conflict they were engaged in, deserve our respect and support and the best way we can do that, is to pay attention on November 11.
This is a day that is much more than a day off work, please treat it accordingly.
