Rain or shine, Canadians will be out at cenotaphs around the country tomorrow to mark another Remembrance Day.
And while none of us take the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who granted us freedom during the First and Second World Wars lightly, the day has a deeper resonance for members of the military than most.
"Remembrance Day has become so much more to me," said Master Corp. Jonathon Mishrigi of the B.C. Regiment, who completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan last year.
"Now that I've gone overseas, there is definitely more of a connection. Nov. 11 is that much more significant and that much more meaningful, to me. Now I think I fully understand what it is."
While many soldiers go into the ceremonies tomorrow with a heavy heart, Mishrigi says the support forces receive from the community on the day - even if the current mission in Afghanistan is still a source of debate among Canadians - fills them with pride.
"I see all sorts of comments and beliefs and dispositions," said Mishrigi, who now does recruiting and community events for the Forces.
"And then on one day a year, to see that all put aside, everyone comes together to pay homage and pay their respects is just truly incredible. One of the things we truly enjoy is that we get out there with the community and let everyone know we're here paying our respects just like everybody else. I think it really does unite us more as a country."
