How will you be spending today?
Photo courtesy of Jim Frazier
Photo courtesy of Jasmic
I am sorely disappointed that people call Remembrance Day a "Holiday". Every year it seems more and more people forget there is a reason we take the day off and it has nothing to do with having a "holiday" in the month of November, or having pre-Christmas sales. I was told no less than three times this week that the 11th is a holiday. You might have guessed, I am still a bit put out by that.
Enjoy your day all, but take a moment to remember why you can enjoy the freedoms you have.
16 comments:
I couldn't agree more. Today is Veteran's Day in the States but many I'm sure just look at it as another holiday.
It's always been a working and school day in Quebec where I grew up and here in Ontario. We observed our two minutes of silence in classrooms or offices and I shall do so here at home today.
My son is in Ottawa with his people from RMC to participate in the ceremonies. I am well-reminded about what this day means every time I look into that boy's eyes.
Thanks for this post, Reb. Nicely done.
I just finished posting a comment on another blog about us not forgetting our family or our various countries' histories.
I also talked a bit about this topic on my blog, from the perspective of appreciating the sacrifices family members make.
This is not just another holiday, and I have plans for my homeschool history lesson with my children that include using pictures of their own ancestors and relatives during military service.
Thank you for pointing this out also.
Well, Reb, most people have forgotten, or likely never knew, that holiday has its ties to "holy day" and refers to a day of significance, national, religious etc. Most of us today, and probably every person who said it to you this week, thought "day off" and that's it.
I'll take my moment of silence at 11 (and know why I'm doing it then) and I'll think about what we've got here and how we got it.
I agree whole-heartedly, sis! I had a post planned, but had 'puter trouble and haven't resolved it yet. Hopefully, I can get it posted before 11 am.
Even if I don't, I will observe my two minutes of silence anyway.
David, sadly they do.
Hilary, I remember having a half day off when I was younger, then stopping class to observe the minute of silence also.
Messymimi, it is a very important lesson day in your house then!
Leah, you are so right. I am sure most don't know about the connection.
Sis, I know you will.
Reb, we will never forget.
Like your cousin, I cannot call this day a holiday without dividing the word (holy day). Holy means set apart or sacred.
I am wearing a poppy over my heart and will be attending an incredibly moving program tonight at our high school. The town lost one of its own last month, which has reminded many to not take this day -- or our Veterans -- for granted.
Kcinnova, I know you won't forget. Enjoy your programme this evening.
I love your new eye icon!
And I thought of you when they recited "In Flanders Field." ♥
Like Hilary, it was never a day off for me in school or at work, so the "holiday" word wasn't one I used, or heard much. It's always been a special day, though. I've always been grateful for the sacrifices of our fighting men and women. I shudder to think of the world we'd be living in had their valour been less.
Kcinnova, thanks. That is such a moving piece.
Frank, yes. I think it means more to stop work/school for two minutes and think about what this day means, rather than have the whole day off. I suppose part of that is that my Dad & a number of Uncles and were in WWII and my Grandfather was wounded in WWI. It could be the years spent knee deep in snow, in my brownie or guide uniform at the cenotaph though too.
I personally feel that remembering or honoring is not enough. More often than not it is nothing more than lip service and empty patriotism by politicians or people who feel that since they put a bumper sticker on their car they are better Americans.
In my opinion, Memorial Day should be for honoring and remembering, but Veterans Day is for the living, those whom we can actually help. Whether it’s visiting injured vets in the VA, sending a check for a vet charity, or writing or calling a politician to stop the wars for profit that has been going on for two decades.
Scott, you have a point, but November 11 is Armistice Day, the day we celebrate the end of the "War to end all wars" WWI. The one where the men and women fought to ensure our freedoms as we know them today. WWII was a continuation of that war and a different outcome would have had effects felt around the world.
Those were the wars that made the biggest impact and the ones we can't forget. Subsequent wars have never been on the same scale even though they too should never be forgotten.
We still call it Remembrance Day here in Canada and have begun celebrating Veterans week from Nov 5 - 11th.
And yes, we should be lobbying our governments more to put an end to this current war and to provide more support to our vets.
the 11th is a holiday? i have to look this up
oh, of course, veterans day. got it. was a bit thrown off because nov 1st in croatia was like a day of the dead sort of. remembering those who had passed.
Glad you figured it out Ben.♦
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