Little girl’s questions bring home Remembrance to young reporter

By Christy Marsters

I remember colouring a poppy, reciting “In Flanders Fields,” standing for the moment of silence, hearing The Last Post and seeing the veterans all suited up in elementary school.

In elementary school, however, it was difficult to understand the purpose of these rituals.

Therefore, as I stood more than a decade older, watching the Remembrance Day ceremony that took place at Victoria Park in Windsor Nov. 11, I could relate to an inquisitive little girl behind me. “Why are those people dressed in camouflage?…Who were the enemies?” These were just two questions this child asked her parents as thousands gathered to remember.

And, this was literally one of the biggest crowds I can recall ever to congregate in Windsor.

The ceremony was beautiful and a real testament to the dedication of a generation before me to carry on messages of peace and vital stories of veterans who fought for freedoms.

After the ceremony, I went home to relax and reflect for a bit on this mid-morning event. It was then I heard a group of children laughing from outside of my living room window.

I wondered whether these children knew of the stories and the reasons for Remembrance Day, or if this day was simply like any other where kids get the day free from schoolwork.

Then I shrugged, because even if these innocent children were too naive to yet know the real reasons for Remembrance Day, I knew, by seeing the ceremony, they would grow to understand. I’m convinced this generation and the next won’t let the stories go forgotten.