Should we be doing more to remember those who sacrificed their lives so we could enjoy the freedom we have today?It was a question I pondered while covering Wednesday's Remembrance Day ceremonies in Sechelt.
In fact, it was a question I have been thinking about all week. On the Monday night Global TV news, they asked the same question in a news report. The answer to that question is yes, in my opinion.
A recent survey conducted by the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association showed that 94 per cent of Canadians view the observance of Remembrance Day as important. Eighty-seven per cent believe educators should do more to teach Canada's military history in schools. That same 87 per cent also believe elementary and secondary schools should be mandated to hold Remembrance Day services.
Seventy-eight per cent of those surveyed wear poppies on Remembrance Day and 67 per cent observe a moment of silence on Nov. 11.
Interesting results.
I'm encouraged by the numbers that so many Canadians view Remembrance Day as an important day, a day of reflection, a day of remembrance and not just a holiday or a day away from work or school.
I'm also encouraged by the results stating that more should be done in schools to teach our military history.
I always found it quite odd when I was in elementary school and high school that we learned about European history and American history first and about Canadian history second.
It's good to know that things have changed and that elementary school students are getting a lot more of a Canadian history lesson than I did. It's also being taught more at the secondary school level, but I think a greater focus is needed.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, Remembrance Day is a special day and one that the whole community comes out to support, which is indeed encouraging. Ceremonies in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt and Pender Harbour are very well attended. Young and old, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters come out in force every year. Many schools partake as well, holding their own ceremonies. We have a wonderful photo on the front page of today's edition courtesy of the students at l'École du Pacifique who held their event on Tuesday.
I share the opinion of many of those surveyed that elementary and secondary schools should be mandated to hold Remembrance Day ceremonies. When I was growing up and in school, we held our own event every year.
Teaching today's young people about what service means, what sacrifice means, what dedication means is so important.
Canadian history should be studied more and celebrated more - and not just on Remembrance Day. We should not forget about the past as we look towards the future.
