Canadians across the country will pause for two minutes at 11 a.m. on November 11 as part of this year’s Remembrance Day observance. This is a simple annual tradition that millions across the country take part in to honour people from the Canadian military who sacrificed their lives – starting with the First World War and all the way up to the nation’s current efforts in peacekeeping missions around the world.

The signature red poppy that symbolizes remembrance is a familiar sight in Canada. It adorns many a lapel around this time as a reminder of those great sacrifices.

But wearing a poppy doesn’t have to be the end of honouring veterans – it can be the beginning to helping surviving Canadian veterans and their families.

Here are 4 ways we can all help our veterans.

  1. Royal Canadian Legion – this worthy organization is a leader in supporting veterans. For decades, money from poppy sales and other ventures has provided everything from low-cost housing for veterans to funding education programs for our nation’s youth.
  2. ca – this website was started by a Canadian corporal to raise funds and awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder, a medical condition that affects many veterans and their families.
  3. War Amps – this organization helps veterans who have lost limbs during military service. It is also a major educational force in improving awareness about amputees.
  4. The Canadian Hero Fund provides educational funding to children or a spouse who have lost their parent or partner. The foundation helps provide tuition, residence and textbooks to the recipient.

From all of us at Lewis MacLean Plumbing and Heating, we salute our veterans and thank them all for their service to our country.