When I was a child, Remembrance Day was about a lapel donned with a poppy and a student body assembled together at a local cenotaph. It meant veterans, decorated with shiny medals, standing OR who stood proudly as verses and names were read, often wiping warm tears as the Last Post echoed through the crisp November air. We would watch dignitaries and municipal officials lay commemorative wreaths of remembrance for those that gave their lives so many years ago – back when the world riddled with gunfire, sacrifice and death. Their sacrifice provided freedom and hope of a better day.
Today, many years later with children of my own, Remembrance Day means reflection, duty to remember and responsibility. It is about connecting our past with our future – honouring and thanking our Veterans for their incredible sacrifice and dedication to upholding our freedoms. We are truly blessed to call Canada our home. As you flip the calendar to November, please pause for a moment and ask yourself, “What can I do to keep remembrance alive?”
At ONroute, we are launching a month-long campaign to honour our Veterans and Service Men & Women. From November 1st to 30th, at all 23 ONroute locations across the province, our team members will ask you if you would like to donate one dollar to Support Our Troops. All monies raised will go directly to this organization to fund programs that support ill and injured members of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as their extended families, to build a framework of support and resilience.
On Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11th, all 23 ONroute locations would also like to pay tribute to and thank all Veterans and current military personnel across Ontario by offering a free medium beverage. You are true icons of service, of community, of loss, and of everlasting freedoms. We salute you, for our generation and for future generations to come, you are a symbol of hope and we shall stand tall and respectfully, carrying this incredible torch of freedom with pride.
To you from failing hands we throw - The torch; be yours to hold it high
This year, take a moment and pause, reflect, and give thanks for your freedoms. Pay it forward and support those in need. At ONroute, we say thank you and look forward to serving you on your journey.
Melanie Teed-Murch,
Chief Executive Officer, ONroute