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By: amandafinley

Nov 11 2016

Category: Uncategorized

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“Little Poppy given to me, help me keep Canada safe and free. I’ll wear a little poppy as red as can be, to show that I remember those who fought for me.” – unknown 

I wrote this post below to last year after the events in Paris. I was hesitate to share my thoughts with the world, but today, a day where we Pray for Peace and honour those who fought, and continue to fight for our freedom, its even more important then ever before to make sure our children know what Remembrance Day means. 

I want our children to know they are loved by so many people in this world. People of all different race and religions. Our strong soilders in the world  have sacraficed so much to give them a world with no fear, a world they can run down the street laughing and a world where they can lay their head at night with dreams of tomorrow. 

I have been in awe, yet again, of my Son over this past year. His love and respect for OUR Canada at just five years old is like no other. He will tell you to remove your hat at any event which plays O’Canada. He will salute the Maple Leaf, Police and Army when they are in his presence. He can tell you the history of World War I and II. And just last week, before dinner we gave a cheers for Lucas for scoring his first goal in hockey and he responded with a cheers to our Canadian Soilders for keeping our Country safe. To say we are proud of his respect and desire to spread the true meaning of being Canadian is an understatement. And it’s because of littles like Lucas that want to protect their sisters, their family, their country and their Maple Leaf, I know we are still heading in the right direction; the direction for World Peace. 

So thank you to all the men and woman who have so bravely followed their dreams and sacrificed so much to give us a Country to call home, the land of the strong and free. 

And as you continue to read you’ll see not much has changed in a year, but we just have to keep the faith and continue to work with each other. And with Men and Women who proudly wear our Canadian Flag, like the past did before them, we’ll be okay. This day is to celebrate you and say thank you. We remember. 

The Canada Flag. ~Nov. 11, 2014

This is my sons art work from Remembrance Day. 

I just don’t know when or how it became acceptable for people to verbally assault other races. To recent events in Paris are horrific. Absolutly gut wrenching. These lone wolf attacks have worked on me, they have scared me. When I leave my house, especially with my children I am always on high alert. I know the chances of anything every happening are almost non-existent, but that was until I heard about a mother being beaten in front of her children’s school, or a Mosque that had its windows broken, or even worse a Mosque set on fire all within only a few hours from us. I read so many violent and negative thoughts and messages on Facebook, Twitter and the news that it’s hard to have any sort of faith in humanity. That was until my four year old son brought home his artwork from Remembrance Day. 

At four years old my son can recite the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, he can tell you about the soldiers who died for our freedom and he can tell you why it’s important for us to stand and salute those who continue to fight for our freedom today. 

At four years old my son knows more then we do. 
He knows what it means to be kind to one another. He knows what it means to play without any worry. And he knows what it means to be a proud Canadian. 

To him all boys and girls, regardless of skin colour and faith, are humans. To him all soldiers are brave and work hard to protect us and their country. To him the world is such a beautiful and peaceful place where we celebrate each other. To him, our flag stands for so much more then we, as adults realize. 

I’m scared for my sons future in this world that has become so full of heartache and destruction. I’m scared that I won’t be able to help him understand why these tragic events are unfolding, as I, myself do not understand it. I’m scared that my children are going to be placed in a war they have nothing to do with. I am scared. But there is one thing that is constant and stands for what we as Canadians are, and that is strong, that is brave, that helps others when in need and that is our bold maple leaf on our Canadian Flag. That Canadian Flag is who we are and I am thankful to my four year old son for reminding me that I’m not to be scared. In fact I should be proud and proud of our Canada contining to strive for peace and freedom for all those around the world. And more importantly I’m beyond proud that my four year old son recognizes what it means to be Canadian and what it means to be a good person. It’s because of him I know our children will be ok; they are our Canada and will continue to shine with warmth and love to all. 

Xo