Blog

As we prepare to pause and recognize the upcoming Remembrance Day for 2023 this coming Saturday November 11th, and today, I want to take a moment and reflect on the purpose of this day and why we take the time as a school.

On November 11th, millions across our country will pause to remember those who have given up their lives through our military either in the 1st and 2nd world wars or other conflicts in that time since, in the name of peacekeeping and protecting those who have been impacted by evil intent and unrest created by others.

These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up their lives, or came home with unseen trauma in the effort to protect others. When I consider that, I often find myself asking why? Why did they choose to undertake this effort? What was their reason for joining the military and setting out to right the wrongs and injustices that existed in the world?

It may not be that they were men and women of faith, but as a Christian I believe that ultimately, because we are all made in the image of God, and there are intrinsic aspects of God’s character present in all of us, they felt the call of Micah 6:8 and John 15:13.

Growing up I was part of cadets and had the opportunity to attend many Remembrance Day services and spend time hearing from and speaking with many veterans. They spoke about answering the call to right the injustices that were taking place in the world at the time and also about standing up for and putting their lives on the line for those who couldn’t or were being threatened or oppressed. Those who couldn’t fight back for themselves. Remembering these conversations each year brings me back to what we know about our life of faith that we are called to live.

He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Remembrance Day is the time to honour those who have left homes, family and friends, and those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the name of justice, peace and love. It also gives us an opportunity as Christians to reflect on how we also should respond to those in need of justice, peace and love in our community, country and world. As we focus on putting our “Faith Into Action” this year at PCS, let’s take this time of remembrance to think on how we too can impact the world and make it a better place, as those before us intended in their actions and sacrifice.