The Rowe was overflowing with Poppies this week, and what a sight it was.
Most CRMBAs pinned this symbol of remembrance to their suits, blazers or jackets – showing respect, while paying tribute the soldiers who sacrificed their lives so we could live ours.
We asked members of the CRMBA community – What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
Here is what some had to say:
Dan Shaw – Director, Corporate Residency MBA
“Remembrance Day is an opportunity for us to pause and be thankful for the Canada that we have today. The freedom, democracy and quality of life that Canada offers was put in jeopardy by the WW1, WW2, Korea and other conflicts. I think about my family members who served; and the many regular people who did extraordinary things to preserve our way of life.”
Scott Comber – Assistant Professor, Corporate Residency MBA
“Technically, the 11th day of the 11th month was to signify and remember the end of WWI, and those that gave their lives during that war. However, wars continued and my grandfathers were sent to WWII and my father to both the Korean and Vietnam wars. This Remembrance Day I will remember those not with us, celebrate those who came home, be grateful of the privilege that I have been granted and pray for fathers and sons that continue to fight.”
Jessica Sinclair – CRMBA Candidate ‘15
“Remembrance Day is about appreciating and reflecting upon the past struggles we have faced not only as Canadians but in the international context. Many Canadians, myself included, have family members that sacrificed for the pursuit of peace and justice. Remembrance Day reminds us how important these concepts are, how easily they deteriorate and how hard they are to regain.”
Mary Eleanor Walker – Coordinator of Recruitment, CRMBA ‘13
“I am grateful on Remembrance Day, and reflect upon my memories of my grandfather whose humility prevented me from fully understanding his experience in World War II. However, I think of him very strongly on this day and am grateful for his service and the service of so many others in Canada and around the world.”
Kimberte William – CRMBA Candidate ‘14
“When I think of Remembrance Day, I think sacrifice and dedication to a cause bigger than ourselves. While I cannot relate personally to the celebration of those lives extinguished in the line of duty, I can relate to the importance of that sacrifice which allows us to maintain our freedoms. Freedoms such as the right to learn, expand our horizons and take on the world, all espoused in this MBA program.”
Kathleen Leadbeater – CRMBA Candidate ‘15
“To me, Remembrance Day is a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives while serving our country during times of war, as well as a time to recognize those who continue to serve today. It’s important to always recognize these individuals, but having a formal day of remembrance reinforces the importance of the sacrifices these individuals have made.”
Chad LeClair – CRMBA ‘11
“Living in our current time it can often be difficult to understand why war would ever take place. Remembrance Day reminds us that there are times when heroes are needed and when war is waged to keep our freedom and make the world a better place.”
Christina Meagher – CRMBA Candidate ‘15
“So growing up, my grandfather told me stories of his time serving in the Navy, and how his uncle nearly died in World War II. To me, Remembrance Day is about recognizing all that they, and others, have sacrificed, and it’s a reminder that Canadians are still out there fighting for peace.”
Kevin Bernard – CRMBA Candidate ‘14
“My grandpa is a WWII vet. He came back from the war and had six kids that turned into fifteen grandkids. Every year on Remembrance Day, I call him to thank him for his service because without it, I wouldn’t be here. He has trouble remembering now because of Alzheimer’s, but I still called Monday to thank him.”
A cornerstone of Dalhousie’s CRMBA program is the diversity of backgrounds, disciplines and perspectives that add to the richness of the culture we so proudly immerse ourselves in.
Remembrance Day reminds us all how fortunate we really are.
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