“I encourage people to take time on November 11th and reflect. If you can’t take time right at 11 o’clock for that moment of silence, please take a moment of silence some time on November 11th. It is a holiday, but it is also a day to remember.”
As we mark Remembrance Day, Mayor Gerald Aalbers is sharing his reflections. He noted that the freedoms we enjoy are protected by those who serve and have given the ultimate sacrifice.
“In the last short time, we have had two elections. The ability to vote is a fundamental right that we think we have, but that has been paid for by blood by someone that has made sure that we live in a democracy. So having that ability to gather freely and express your views. And no question people have been very expressive in the last 20 months, which I appreciate that we have that right.”
Aalbers said he heard from a community member who served in Afghanistan and that the war veteran suffers from PTSD. He spoke about the scars of war especially those that can’t be seen.
“The feelings and the expressions that he goes through daily and the challenges that he has, and others. There’s many others that have served in many conflicts and wars that wear the scars that are not visible. They come back and they see things differently because the horrors of war change what we see.”
Aalbers said for many of us we did not experience those things and we are very fortunate.
COVID restrictions have curtailed the normal Remembrance Day observances in Lloydminster.