Every year we lose more and more of our remaining veterans.
Our stately soldiers say goodbye to their comrades and patiently wait their turn for the bugler's farewell.
It's a sad day in many respects, but an important day nonetheless.
As we pause to remember those who fought and died and who continue to fight and die for the freedom we so richly cherish this Remembrance Day, we realize our world has many challenges this year.
The past few weeks has seen at many turns an ugly and sometimes heated municipal election being fought amongst the 50-plus candidates looking for their seats at our Coast government tables.
Some in our community have accused candidates and their supporters of fear mongering and of trying to "buy" this election, while others have chosen to debate the issues that should matter most to voters in a fair, honest and transparent manner. And while some residents may not like the first tactic, it is all a form of democracy - the very same democracy that our veterans who we honour today fought and died for.
In cities around the world, citizens question our society. The Occupy forces ask why few have so much and many have so little.
These are questions that deserve an answer, and while we may not agree with how some of the Occupy forces are going about trying to get answers to those questions, they have a right to ask.
That is why we are so privileged to live in a country like Canada where we have the right to vote for whoever we want - that we have the right to vote, period.
We have the right to run as an elected official and have our friends, family and supporters help and contribute to those election campaigns. We have a right to disagree on issues. We have a right to debate. We have a right to our own opinions. Whether they are wrong or right, they are still our opinions - opinions that deserve to be heard.
These are all rights and thoughts that we think many in this community have forgotten this election season.
Here's hoping that when you are out at the Remembrance Day services that will be hosted by our four Legions today, you remember what Remembrance Day is all about - honouring our heroes who fought for the rights we have today.
Lest we forget.
