Tomorrow is Remembrance Day

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day.

Do you think Remembrance Day is too much about war, and not enough about peace? Add your name to those remembering for peace, share our post on Facebook, and add your comment.
Did you know Remembrance Day was first marked within the British Commonwealth (which included Canada) on November 11, 1919, at 11 a.m. to commemorate the end of the First World War upon the German signing of the Armistice, and to remember those in the armed forces who gave their lives?
Back then, the majority of the people killed in wars were soldiers. Today it is civilians who pay the highest price. In the first six months of 2012, nearly 400 soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan, while 1,145 Afghan civilians died because of the conflict.
But in many of the speeches made by Conservative government officials at this time of year, the focus is on commemorating wars, rather than trying to prevent war itself.
This leaves many wondering why we gather together each November 11. Is it to mourn the soldiers killed, or to adulate them? Do we lament war, or commemorate it?
A poll released by the Rideau Institute shows that if Remembrance Day ceremonies were less about war, and more about peace, young people—only half of whom say they will take part in commemorating November 11 this year—may be more likely to participate.
Will you use this November 11 as a day to remember peace? Here are a few things you can do:
Sign up to be counted as someone who will remember for peace on November 11.
Share this post on Facebook, and click here to tweet this post on Twitter using our #Nov11peace hashtag. Encourage your friends and followers to join us. 

Go to Ceasefire.ca and leave a comment to answer the question “Is Remembrance Day too much about war and not enough about peace?” What do you think? Leave your response.

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