Every year I go to the Cenotaph with my family to honour and remember those who have fought and won our freedom, as well as those who continue to protect our country. In the past, I played with the Woodstock High School band and wasn’t able to enjoy the ceremony in the same way as I was concentrated on playing the musical program. My mind often wandered, thinking about the cold and wondering how much longer we would be out in it.
This year I brought along my camera and as I snapped away I observed the veterans who were in attendance. There were a few older gentlemen who have since settled into quieter daily activities, but scattered among them were men and women my age, who still serve actively. These people ensure that myself and my family are able to live in peace and freedom and I graduated with some of them. This is mind boggling — I could never make the sacrifices that they do.
Regardless of how you feel about politics and war, I still believe that it is important to set aside time to honour those who have fallen and those who are still serving. I am so proud of those who have gone before me, such as my grandfather who served in WWII, and those who are just beginning.
