I am learning to understand Canada through photography. My old Pentax K100 has helped me reach some Canadian souls and learn their stories. 2009 was the first year that Mr. Ames and I headed together to the cenotaph at Victory Square to remember those who fought and are fighting in wars for Canada.

We remembered Grandpa Bond and Granddad Ames who were part of the Canadian mission in the Second World War and unfortunately, left us this year.

We Brazilians tend to look to wars as something irrational because wars are always happening between other countries and far away from us. The Brazilian Army is either trying to control internal gang conflicts or on peace keeping missions. The only connection that we have with an international war are the Pracinhas , the Brazilian veterans who fought in Italy and are well-known for their participation during the Battle of Monte Castelo. Unfortunately, the Pracinhas are a dying generation and their memories will soon start to die with them…

I am learning to love Canada’s rituals every year and, through my clicks, it’s becoming natural to connect with the country’s hopes and dreams. The first time that I heard about the Remembrance Day, I mistakenly identified the ceremony as a way to glorify war. Today, I learned that November 11th is about grieving and thanking the men and women who put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe.

WE REMEMBER!