I've never been accused of being shy with my opinions, so I'm particularly fortunate I grew up in a country where I'm generally free to share them.
I'm not one to hold many traditions sacred, but there is at least one I hold dear: on Remembrance Day each year, I honor the sacrifice of Canadian soldiers at 11am by playing The Last Post and standing silently for two minutes.
I use the time to think about all the good things in my life and how different things might have been without the valiant efforts of those who fought during the Great Wars.
It's a tiny gesture.
But I think it's the very least I can do.
Lest we forget.
- dp
P.S. If you're leaving the house a lot less often than usual as a result of the COVID pandemic, finding a poppy to buy might be more challenging this year than it's been in the past. But if you still want to make a donation, you can do so online by clicking here.
P.P.S. While we're on the topic of remembrance, I'd like to pay tribute to game-show legend Alex Trebek, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday November 8th, 2020. I loved watching Jeopardy during dinner growing up, and I loved the fact that the smart and savvy host of the show was a proud (yet humble) Canadian. The Washington Post ran a fitting tribute: the headline read, "In the dumbest and darkest of times, Alex Trebek maintained a safe space for intelligence". For that, we may all owe him a debt of gratitude.
