How Will You Remember?
Friday, 13 November 2009 00:00
How will you remember? That was the slogan used by the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on this November 11, 2009. Men and women young and old, along with teenagers, school children, and babies packed the audience at today’s commemoration. As I watched the man in front of me wipe away tears from his eyes, I pondered what this day means to him, and not only him, but the thousand plus in attendance. What does this day mean to me? How will I remember?
I thought about how easy it is to forget. I forget about how it feels to be lonely, to be jealous, or to be heartbroken – until of course, I experience those feelings again. And as easily as I forget those feelings I also forget about our veterans and the freedom that we have in this country – not only because of the First World War but the wars that have followed, and the war that we are in the midst of. Remembrance Day is the day that reminds us to be thankful for our freedom. And we need that reminder (or as least I do) so that I can continue in my thankfulness – everyday.
Unknown soldiers giving their lives for freedom draws a deep parallel with Christ, who came to Earth and gave up his life for us all, so that we may know what it is to have true freedom: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1).
Today when I thought about remembering our soldiers, I thought about how this is something I need to do on a more regular basis. It’s a lifestyle that I have to develop – and not simply a lifestyle of remembering my freedom as a Canadian, but my freedom as a Christian. This is how I will remember.
-Natalie B