Remember,remember,never forget

As the chilly autumn airs cuts through Bay St. George, many people can be seen donning their heavy jackets, gloves and scarves.

Good thing, as many drivers are faced with scraping their vehicle windshields free of early morning ice, and pedestrians having to shield themselves against the cold.

And now that many of us are getting into our winter wardrobe, it's a good time to pin a poppy onto our coat lapels and collars.

The Royal Canadian Legion says the poppy is a symbol of remembrance our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations. It also represents those from other nations who also paid the ultimate price for our rights and freedoms.

It's easy to think of the poppy and next week's Remembrance Day ceremonies as a way to memorialize those who lost their lives in battles during the 20th century, but it's also a way to honour those who have been killed in the line of duty in recent years.

As it stands right now, 132 Canadians have been killed in Afghanistan over the past seven years. The most recent fatality occurred on Wednesday, when 26-year-old Justin Garrett Boyes was killed.

Lieut. Boyes was leading a patrol of Afghan police through an area heavily populated by Taliban forces when an improvised explosive device was detonated. He is survived by his wife and three-year-old son, his parents, a sister, and a brother also serving with the Canadian Forces.

So, when you stick the pin into your coat this month, remember Lieut. Boyes and all those who were killed whether it was last week, last year or several decades ago. If you are able, attend Remembrance Day ceremonies in your community. At the very least, pause for a few moments on Nov. 11 to reflect and pay a personal tribute.