There is so much more to being a hero than most will ever understand.
Being a hero is not always about how many lives you have saved, how many enemies you have killed, or how many dangerous situations you’ve escaped alive — it’s about being a selfless person who puts the needs of others above your own.
This is what all Canadian Armed Forces members have done and continue to do every day.
Whether they fought in the First or Second World War, the Korean War, in Afghanistan, are part of the current mission against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, or are stationed with Canadian Forces abroad or at home guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, they can only be described as heroes.
Each member of Canada’s military has made the choice to put the safety and well-being of their country above their own personal gain, which is a gallant and unique characteristic – one most people around the world would have difficulty comprehending.
With 68,250 active personnel, along with reserves numbering 51,000, the Canadian Forces have three main objectives: the defence of Canada, the defence of North America in co-operation with forces in the United States and contributing to broader international security.
The world has changed a great deal since our fathers and grandfathers fought in wars that raged in Europe, Africa, Asia and in the middle of the world’s vast oceans. Today’s soldier does not face the same kind of threats on the battlefield our ancestors faced, but that does not diminish the level of danger or change how important a job our current service members are faced with each day.
Remembrance Day is a day — one of 365 — when civilians should take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices members of the Canadian Forces have made and continue to make as a result of their choice to serve.
Whether you have a family member who was on the front lines during the Second World War, someone who fought in Afghanistan against Al-Qaeda, or know someone who gives their time to uphold Canadian values and freedoms here at home, it’s important to remember that each Canadian Forces member is no different than the rest of us.
They are fathers, brothers, sons, daughters, mothers, sisters, uncles, nephews, aunts, nieces, or best friends.
They could be doing something very different to put food on the table if they so chose. They did not join the military to become wealthy, and none will get rich (a soldier’s staring salary is around $30,000 and goes up to a max of around $55,000). They are away from home for extended periods of time…some don’t come home. They have mutual respect for each other, for the chain of command and the discipline the military demands.
They do not look for their story to be told or to become famous.
They may have to deal with several adverse issues following their time in the Canadian Forces, whether that be post-traumatic stress disorder, or having trouble fitting into a “regular,” every-day career.
They spend much of their time helping people they do not know or have never even met.
They do a job that few of us would be able to do.
They deserve everyone’s respect.
Though they are just like everyone else, the one difference that sets them apart from most others remains the same: each and every one can only be described as a hero.
So don’t forget what they do for us, and take a moment to remember.
