A bit of background:

I just got back from a trip to Vancouver.

Great dim sum.

While relaxing in the hotel room, I came across a military history show, Vimy Ridge: Heaven to Hell. My father-in-law is a retired college history professor, so we sat and watched it together.

What struck me, aside from the incredible courage and ingenuity exemplified by the four Canadian divisions, was the advertisements accompanying the show.

They were for "House" and the news. They were for other network shows on this channel and the usual mercantile goods. In other words, this was broadcast television, not some special-interest cable channel.

They did have an advert that played a stirring instrumental over a video montage of past and present soldiers. It was quiet, respectful, and powerful in that understated way no forcefulness can match.

This is how Canada honoured Remembrance Day, their equivalent to Veteran's Day.

I'm sure they had half-off-sales, but the sales that struck me where that of red poppies, to honour the veterans' sacrifices.

In this small way, I wish to make known my gratitude to all American veterans.

I will remember.