Dear Editor,

	We have reached another November, which brings, along with some snow, another
chance to celebrate Remembrance Day. Some people think it odd that I claim to
celebrate, rather than mourn, Remembrance Day. Certainly I understand their point of view,
for I used to feel the same way about Easter.

	You see, I used to think that celebrating the death of our Savior, the greatest
gift the world has ever received, was in poor taste. Until one year, someone asked me,
"If you were to be hanged tomorrow and a stranger offered to take your place, how
would you feel?"

	My response was that I would feel pretty good. It was at that time I first realized the
beauty of the gift that Christ gave us. He was beaten and hanged for us. Gave up his
life, in our place, so that we could reach our full potential.

	I see our veterans as modern day savours. These are brave, once-young men that went
into war for us. These men walked away from their families, friends and virtually everything they
loved for us. They suffered, fought and many of them died for us, in our place. Without
their sacrifices we would not have the liberties or luxuries that we enjoy today. I owe my
life to these people, most of whom I've never met. If that isn't reason to celebrate,
I don't know what is.

With Respect,
Jesse Smith