We're about to turn the calendar page, saying goodbye to October 2015. Clocks get turned back. Darkness envelopes our mornings and our late afternoons. The anticipation of snow is in the air, and heavy frost settles on our windshields awaiting the scratching of our early morning scrapers.
We can't complain about this fall. It was warm. It was sunny. The vibrant reds in the sugar maples were an outstanding salute to our Canadian forests. And now the golden glow of the tamarack resonates against the coniferous that retain their rich green needles at this time of year.
This is the fleeting moment where the poppy pinned over our hearts to display our honour and respect for those who have fought and given their lives for our freedom is challenged by the garrish displays of witches and goblins marking Hallowe'en -- and all in direct contrast to the brash commercialism of decorated trees and lights in stores harkening the start of the holiday frenzy.
It's like the "back to school" ads that start in July, a scant few weeks after the start summer break for students here in Ontario. I realize other school year calendars differ, and commercialism knows no bounds, but for Remembrance Day there should be a period of respect.
From Thanksgiving to November 11 -- and really, all year-long is not unrealistic -- should be a mandatory period to wear a poppy, to honour those who have fought for our freedoms, given their lives in pursuit of something too many of us take for granted.
Take a moment. Reflect. Wear your poppy proudly. Celebrate being Canadian; being free.
