My first memories of Remembrance Day come from when I was in grade 3. My teacher Mrs Pitner invited us to cut out poppies from red construction paper. We were allowed to decorate our poppies however we liked, while Mrs. Pitner shared with us the importance of remembering the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. After decorating our poppy we glued them onto a larger circle creating a wreath. It was beautiful, all of our individual poppies together creating a masterpiece!

The next day on November 11th the entire school met in the gymnasium, where we listened to someone from the legion speak of the war. I was selected, with another student to bring our class wreath to the front of the gymnasium for the whole school to see. Then, I remember having to endure two minutes of silence. (Two minutes is a long time to be quiet!) And of course one of the kids, in the older grade, played Taps and Last Post. This Remembrance Day assembly happened every year. (It wasn’t until I was much older that I heard what Taps and Last Post was really supposed to sound like ;)

On March 1, 2018 Remembrance Day became a national Canadian holiday, unlike when I was younger. And unlike when I was younger there are many more ways of participating in the act of remembering.

Canadians recognize Remembrance Day, originally called Armistice Day, every November 11th at 11 a.m. It marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and an opportunity to recall all those who have served in the nation's defence.

Today my involvement with Remembrance Day gives me a sense of participation in something real and historical. For me, it isn't just about vets and wars. It's also about me remembering my Remembrance Days of the past. And stepping back to reflect on those, is one way to never forget what it’s all about.

In Scripture we are told to remember the Lord's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:17-34).

On Sunday we gathered around the table to participate in the sacrament of communion. You might recall that I read the words taken directly from scripture:

“This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Participating in the act of remembering this actual historical event helps make and keep it real to us. The bread and wine/juice are real—we can see, taste, touch, and smell them. That's so important because we are prone to forget things. That is why the Lord wants us to do it regularly—in remembrance of Him. I pray we never forget what it’s all about either!