Today is Remembrance Day in Canada and it is appropriate to make some comment in one's status on various social networking places and in one's blog about it. I was looking for quotes, music and so on to make for more creativity. I googled through quotes about soldiers, remembrance day, and heroes. One quote about their being no unwounded soldiers in war and several others noting that the face of heroism was not gender nor racially exclusive caught my eye. It occurs to me that the very fact that I can sit here typing in the comfort of my home living in contravention of a law that I dare to question publicly and as a woman speaks so many volumes about the heroes that have made this not a miracle but an acceptable part of the culture in which I live.
Some of those heroes and heroines have identified faces and well known names but most are tucked away in the fabric of history. Those who lost their lives making sure that this country was and remains free to develop its own form of democracy have most certainly made the ultimate gift to our country and the world. Those who spent their lives at much cost lobbying, advocating and raising the alarm for social, political and legislative change are also heroes to us and future generations. Regardless of whether I agree with their viewpoints or not there have been and are so many courageous people at work in building the country as we have achieved it and moving for advances. They are heroes as well. Anytime you step into a voting poll and make your mark you ensure that the next generation has that right and become a part of their heroic past.
It is appropriate also today to ponder the pending decision on section 293 and realize that without the sacrifices and efforts of the heroes and heroines that we remember today we'd not have the freedom to question this law and speak out for the rights of a minority of Canadians who live in loving healthy relationships with multiple partners. It has been both scary and exciting to be involved in this process of seeking standing federal law to acknowledge social change and respect human rights. You get a chill when you realize that you are participating in a historic moment.
Canada has a long history of brave people daring to be in the forefront of inclusive acceptance and safe harbours for those who would not find them elsewhere. I look forward to being part of the fabric of this page in history where loving is no longer criminalized.
I am grateful for the freedom to dare to try to see that happen.
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