Remembrance day represents a day dedicated to remind us to honor those who served for our country. One of the most widely known initiatives to support our veterans is the poppy campaign and the Remembrance Day ceremonies. Are there other ways we could pay tribute to those who have served?

A lot of people associate the image of a veteran with the frail and elderly. Did you know that there are over 600 000 veterans in Canada who have deployed and served in the last 3 decades? This is 9 times the number of veterans who served during the Second World War and the Korean War. This change in demographics means that we may need to look at how we extend our support to veterans. Here are a few simple tips to show our support this year.

1. Wear a poppy: Put a poppy on and wear it all day, even at work from the last Friday of October to November 11th.
2. Spread the word on social media: Social media tends to reach a lot of people. Update your facebook page or twitter account with images from #Canadaremembers. Or simply change your profile picture to an image of a poppy.
3. Personally thank a veteran: You can do this in person, via text or e-mail.
4. Pause in silence: On November 11th at 11am, take a moment of silence to show your gratitude.

Most importantly, take a moment now and again, not just on Remembrance Day, to be thankful for your freedom and peace.

Christine Belliveau
Psychologist