The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
When tragic events take place it's normal for sports to be placed on the back burner. That happens because in the end, sports entertain people. It's not believed to be important. Tomorrow is Remembrance Day and people will be thinking of the lives lost during wartime. Many lives have been lost since Remembrance Day was first commemorated, and the achievement of those involved is celebrated and always remembered, hence the name of the day. They fought for something. They fought for everyone to enjoy their lives. Someone once told me that people should "live the life you want to live." While thinking about that statement, should sports go on the back burner tomorrow? A lot of people will say yes because people play sports nearly every day. Maybe it should, maybe it shouldn't. For some, going figure skating, playing hockey, or whatever the sport may be, is their life. Don't laugh because that may be all they have. Doing what we love is what we owe those who risked their lives for us. There are many who choose to thank veterans for their freedom, but I don't feel that freedom is the right word. I know what you're thinking. Why wouldn't I use the word freedom? And why don't I think it's the right choice? It has nothing to do with me not thinking that we don't have that. Though there are those who don't. I believe veterans fought so we can do exactly what that person said to me. Freedom and living the life you want to live are linked, but they're also separate. If playing a sport is your life, than that's one of the reasons veterans went to war. As strange as that may sound, it's true. Here's what I say. Take a moment to think about those who died fighting for you. Take it a step further and thank one personally. When you thank a veteran, don't thank him for your freedom, thank him for your life. Thank you to those who fought for my life. Your courage allows me to live the life I want to live and I'm forever grateful.10/11/06
