By _Skender_

I’m not sure why it is but November 11th is an important day for me.  Maybe it is because my brother served in the Navy for 25 years or maybe it is because I admire rituals that honour the memory of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  I’m not really sure what it is.  Here is a list of five rituals that can choke me up quite easily on this day of remembrance.

1. The wearing of poppies especially by teenagers or young adults.  It is often said that the youth of today doesn’t care about the past.  I find it very encouraging when I see a young person wearing poppy, especially if I see them at a remembrance service.
2. The flying of a flag at half-staff.  I sometimes feel this symbol is over-used but I find it very meaningful when it is done out of genuine respect and not because it is the right thing to do. It means even more when you learn the reason for the lowering of the flag.
3. The use of the caparisoned horse during a funeral service.  It is the empty boots in the stirrups that gets me.  That’s the symbol that reminds me of why the horse is riderless in the first place.
4. The sight of aged veterans saluting at a service.  There is something about seeing 80 or 90 year old veterans stand tall and stand straight as they salute the colours that evokes a sense of strength and dignity.  It is a sign that their spirit will never be bowed.
5. When my father passed away recently we had a piper play at his funeral.  The only condition was that he couldn’t play Amazing Grace.  It almost doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing, if I hear that song on the pipes the tears start to flow.