Exactly 100 years ago Sunday, the First World War ended, and Remembrance Day services began.
Since then, through the decades, sadly, we've seen veterans of the First World War, the second World War and the Korean war pass away.
Even relatively recent conflicts that Canadians have participated in such as peacekeeping in Cyprus and Bosnia and most recently the war in Aghanistan, are fading further and further into the past.
That's why it was so gratifying to see a relatively strong turnout yet again at the Ralph Klein Centre this past Sunday for the annual Remembrance Day service in Olds. Once again, the bleachers were filled with a good crowd and many seated themselves in the back few rows on the floor.
Unfortunately, it appears the snow and cooler weather may have deterred others from participating. However, there's not much you can do about that in November in Canada.
As the peacekeeping missions and conflicts mentioned above fade from Canadians' memories over the years, it's ever more important to impress upon today's youth the importance of paying tribute to those who fought for our freedoms.
Thus, it was heartening to see the many children who were brought to the ceremonies by their parents and caregivers, as well as to see several of them lay wreaths at the cenotaph on behalf of various organizations, including the cadets.
The No Stone Left Alone ceremony, organized by the IODE in conjunction with the legion and local schools and held a couple of weeks ago, is also a great way to help youth understand just how important it is to pay tribute to those who fought on our behalf.
Otherwise, as the saying goes, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
It was also great to see a touch of patriotism displayed via the hundreds of Canadian flags set out in the snow near the entrance to the Ralph Klein Centre.
Despite its many faults, this is still a country to be proud of and we should not be ashamed to show that pride.
