Dear Editor:
In recent years, I have noticed that the red Remembrance Day poppy is worn mostly by people in their 60s, 70s and older. Sadly, I see only very small numbers of people in their 30s, 20s and teens wearing this honoured symbol of sacrifice in the days leading up to Nov. 11.
However, on Remembrance Day last year, I had a rewarding and reassuring experience. Walking down the street, coming toward me, was a teenager with the red poppy on her jacket. Speaking to her, I said, “Thank you for wearing the poppy.” To my surprise, her immediate reply was, “Of course I wear the poppy, I’m a Canadian.”
Hearing her words, I said a silent prayer of thanks. She had just made me realize that with young people like her maturing and taking charge of Canada, of our safety and of the gauranty of our freedom, we have nothing to fear.
If you are a Canadian, take a minute or two to realize it was the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of young Canadians in earlier years that makes it possible for us today to enjoy living in the best place on Earth.
Be a thankful Canadian, be a proud Canadian, wear a poppy.
L.K. Deane, Canadian veteran, Burnaby
