“Lest we forget” is a saying thrown around this time of year, but what are we remembering and for whom are we really remembering?

Traditionally, Remembrance Day is a time to honour the brave soldiers who served and perished in the First and Second World Wars. But more than that, this day gives the rest of society the opportunity to properly thank and respect a generation that lived through atrocities today’s youth cannot possibly comprehend.

In recent years, Remembrance Day has also been about recognizing the efforts of all those currently serving in the armed forces, especially those fighting overseas in Afghanistan. As death counts mount daily, Canadians who may not have ties to the World Wars are finding new reasons to remember.

Education has become another role of Remembrance Day. Few living Canadians can recall a time when most of the world was at war. It is the fear of some that as the elderly population declines, so too will our appreciation for their efforts during the great wars. After all, it can be difficult to keep alive the memory of events no living person can remember.

It is important new generations are made aware of the past, so they may learn from the experiences of their elders and avoid making similar mistakes. Being able to speak with a tangible witness of war, like a grandparent, makes understanding war much easier than reading about it in a textbook.

Especially in a country like Canada, which lacks the physical reminders of war most European countries have in their landscapes, it’s important we do what we can to actively remember and ensure younger generations do the same.

We are living in a different time than our parents. Fewer and fewer people can draw connections to the World Wars, but most can remember where they were when 9/11 happened. Perhaps with our changing experience of conflict, our approach to remembering and reflecting on it has also changed.

Whether it is because Canada is still actively fighting in Afghanistan or because maybe people are seeking to identify with an important part of Canadian history, participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies is reportedly on the rise.

Regardless, Remembrance Day means something different to everyone. Some will take the day to contemplate the World Wars, others will reflect on more current conflicts still happening overseas.

Perhaps some will even remember a personal encounter with war unrelated to Canada. There is no right or wrong way to remember. The important part is that we try not to forget.