Remembrance Day is always special, and I like to spend the week taking part in ceremonies in schools and then participate at the Cenotaph on November 11th.

Hearing the stories of great sacrifice from our veterans and being reminded of how fortunate we are to live in peace helps us appreciate our men and women in uniform both today and in the past.

Like many of you, I memorized “In Flanders Field” in my youth and can still recite the poem today. The image of rows of white crosses and red poppies help us remember the suffering and death that war brings, and the warning not to break faith with those who died is a message that warrants repeating more often than once a year.

We have a proud history of helping to keep peace around the world — that is a role that we excel at and, historically, have been recognized for internationally.

We also are willing to join our allies in war when evil threatens to overtake good people.

Remembrance Day gives us the opportunity to say “Thank You” to our soldiers and our veterans for service that goes above and beyond what most of us are asked to do. They deserve our support and our appreciation.

Please take the time to gather on November 11th to show your respect for those who have given so much. It is an honour to stand with them.

WAYNE STETSKI

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Kootenay-Columbia