Remembering Sacrifice: A Military Wife's Perspective on Remembrance Day

As a military wife to a retired Combat Engineer and a mother to two daughters, a son-in-law, and a nephew, all proudly serving in the Royal Canadian Navy, Remembrance Day holds a special place in my heart. It's a day that goes far beyond the traditional ceremonies and poppies; it's a day that reminds me of the sacrifices our family and others have made and continues to make in service to our country.

For years, I stood by my husband's side as he faced the challenges and dangers of military life. I witnessed his unwavering dedication to his duties and the unspoken burden he carried. I also watched our daughters grow, following in their father's footsteps, and forging their own paths in the Navy. Their service is a testament to the values we hold dear as a military family: duty, honour, and sacrifice.

Remembrance Day allows us to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless men and women, including our family members, who have served and continue to serve. It's a day to remember the comrades lost and the families forever changed. It's a day to honour the courage and commitment that unites us all, from soldiers on the front lines to the families supporting them from home.

As we wear our poppies and gather at memorials, we are reminded that the freedom and peace we enjoy come at a cost. Remembrance Day is a time to honour that cost and to thank those who have given so much. It's a day when we come together as a nation to say, "We will never forget."

I will never forget,

Jenny Ryce