We ask so much of those who serve in our armed forces.

We ask them to give their lives to protecting and upholding the values we hold so dear – and often take for granted.

We ask them to sacrifice themselves for our nation and other nations around the globe without the gratitude this sacrifice deserves.

Whether Veterans of past wars or those presently serving in a variety of peacekeeping and support missions – albeit in many areas where daily peace doesn’t exist – our brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have answered the call to put the needs of the many above their own.

Peacekeeping is the main theme of this year’s Veterans Week and Remembrance Day ceremonies as 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping where Canada has been at the forefront of these efforts for generations.

According to Veterans Affairs Canada, “more than 125,000 CAF members have served in international peacekeeping efforts in dozens of countries over the decades.”

“Approximately 130 of them have lost their lives and many more have returned home with physical and psychological wounds.”

“Over 4,000 officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other police forces in Canada have also taken part in these missions. In addition, thousands of Canadian diplomats and civilians have made important contributions to these efforts.”

A current operations list from the Government of Canada shows there are approximately 40 operations – or missions – underway where Canadian men and women are being or have been deployed across the world.

There are many more stationed at bases throughout our nation training, studying and on call should they be needed.

They put themselves in harms way and dedicate their existence to being a force for good. They display good Canadian values everywhere they go, representing each and everyone of us with honour and dignity.

They do this without asking for thanks or accolades: without needing the instant gratification many crave on a daily – maybe even hourly basis.

Truth be told, only one day a year isn’t nearly enough to properly show appreciation for their service. It would be good for us all to remember to say thank you to those who serve when meeting them on the street, in a store, on a bus, or wherever else.

But, at the very least, we need to show our appreciation once a year on Remembrance Day by wearing a poppy, sharing your thanks on social media using #RemembranceDay, attending a ceremony at your local Royal Canadian Legion or observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11.

In Huntsville, the ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. at the cenotaph in front of the legion at 21 Veterans Way and will be followed by a veteran’s parade that starts at the legion, to West St. South to Main Street to River Street before making its way back to the legion. 

In Bracebridge, Legion Branch 161 will host a service at 168 Muskoka Rd. S. beginning at 11 a.m.

In Gravenhurst, Legion Branch 302 will host its service at the cenotaph near its headquarters at 290 Veterans Way at 11 a.m.

In MacTier, Legion Branch 507 will host its service at 11 Elizabeth St. starting shortly before 11 a.m.

In Port Carling, Legion Branch 529 will start its ceremony at the cenotaph across from 4 Bailey St. at 11 a.m.

No matter who you are and where you are, be sure to honour our amazing men and women who have served in the past and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces this Remembrance Day and beyond.