Nov. 11 is more than just a ‘holiday’

By Lethbridge Herald on November 8, 2025.

Editor,

Once again, we approach Nov. 11, and most of us, are still not able to imagine just how humble, thankful, and respectful we all should be, especially on that day.  This is a true shame. But the truer shame is that we only let the thoughts of the sacrifices that these veterans made into our minds, for only a few hours each year.

Every single person in Canada is here only because of the sacrifices of our veterans.

Thousands of Canadian soldiers, both male and female, served in our wars, which, by the way, were not of our choosing. Many gave up their lives, or were wounded, maimed or mentally traumatized, so that we are able to enjoy the peace and freedom that they fought for, and that we now have.

So, what does the public do to honour these people that gave all? Basically nothing.

Oh yes, we do have a Remembrance Day ceremony at City Hall, and the Cenotaph,  for an hour or so, .just to make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Then we go home, because it is, after all, a holiday.

A holiday? Really? Ask the families and loved ones of the soldiers who served and died, if this is a holiday.

But what do we do as a country? Christmas rhetoric starts in late October, Hallowe’en stores open in  August, half-way to Boxing Day sales are in  July, Black Friday sales (which, by the way, reflect modern  American marketing hype, NOT Canadian) are any month within July to January. We buy all kinds of worthless garbage, decorations, costumes, ornaments, lights, etc., but will we put a $20 bill into the poppy box?

Princess Auto refuses to open any of their stores on Remembrance Day, as every business in  Canada should do. Is there a real need to go to the dollar store on Nov. 11?

Think, people. Think about how you enjoy this great country, but really, truly, deeply think about the people who have allowed you to do so.  Respect them, or their memories, every day that you enjoy freedom .

Kirby Doktor

Coaldale, AB