Remembrance Day was an occasion to honour those who served to protect our freedom and way of life.
Yesterday, many Shuswap citizens took the time to visit a cenotaph, wear a poppy or simply pause for a moment of silence at 11 a.m. out of respect for those who sacrificed for us.
An essential part of what these soldiers laid down their lives for was the right to a democratic government.
Across the region on Saturday, Nov. 15, candidates will be chosen the lead our civic governments and our school district.
Critical to the functioning of a democratic society is citizen engagement. It requires each person to pay attention, even a little, to the issues of the day and to those who put themselves and their ideas, visions and values forward to help form the government.
It requires some thought about what values we wish to see reflected in the policies, rules and priorities for our community.
It is a small effort for the big payoff that comes with living in a democratic society.
It is a privilege that many in the world still lack. It is one we should not take for granted.
This Saturday is another chance for people to honour our veterans and those who paid the ultimate price – by entering the voting booth and marking a ballot.