At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians pause to remember those who served, sacrificed, and gave so much in defence of freedom.

When we reflect on war, it is natural to think about battles, military campaigns, and historic moments. But behind every uniform was a person. Someone’s son or daughter. Someone’s spouse, parent, sibling, or friend.

The stories that often stay with us are not always the stories of victory. Sometimes they are the stories that remind us of our humanity.

During the Second World War, Polish soldiers adopted an orphaned bear cub who would become known as Wojtek. What began as an act of kindness soon turned into an extraordinary friendship. Wojtek travelled with the soldiers through the Middle East and into Italy, sharing their daily lives and bringing moments of laughter and comfort during an incredibly difficult time.

At the Battle of Monte Cassino, Wojtek became famous for helping move crates of artillery ammunition. The image of a bear carrying an artillery shell became so meaningful to the men of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company that they adopted it as their official insignia. The patch became a symbol of loyalty, friendship, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Across the battlefields of Europe, carrier pigeons performed missions that often seemed impossible. One of the most famous, Cher Ami, carried a message that helped save nearly 200 Allied soldiers after being shot, blinded in one eye, and severely wounded. Against impossible odds, the pigeon completed its mission and became a symbol of determination and duty.

Dogs served alongside troops as messengers, scouts, and rescue animals. On naval ships, cats helped control pests but often became beloved companions to sailors spending months at sea. In the trenches, soldiers sometimes cared for stray kittens, finding small moments of comfort amidst the hardships of war.

What stands out about these stories is not that animals participated in war.

It is that they remind us what the people serving were going through.

The fact that soldiers formed such strong bonds with a bear, cherished a ship’s cat, or entrusted a message to a pigeon speaks to the hardships they endured and the hope they found wherever they could. These stories offer a glimpse into the human side of war, the side that can sometimes be lost when we focus only on dates, battles, and statistics.

That is what Remembrance Day means to me.

It is a day to remember the people behind the history.

The Canadians who left their homes not knowing if they would return.

The veterans who carried their experiences with them long after the fighting ended.

The families who waited, worried, sacrificed, and supported those they loved.

The men and women of our Armed Forces who continue to serve today.

And the allies who stood shoulder to shoulder with Canada in defense of freedom and democracy.

Because of their courage and sacrifice, we are fortunate to live in one of the safest, freest, and most peaceful countries in the world. We have the opportunity to build our futures, raise our families, and pursue our dreams in a nation shaped by the sacrifices of those who came before us.

Today, we pause to remember them.

We honour them.

We thank them.

Lest we forget.

Kindest Regards,

Darla

Darla D. Somerville
Direct IT Recruiting Inc.
Office: (416) 316-3333
Mobile: (647) 218-1855
Email: darla.somerville@directitrecruiting.com
Web: www.directitrecruiting.com

Remembrance Day

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