Appreciating Freedom

November 9 is World Freedom Day – an observance created in commemoration of the fall of the Berlin Wall on this day in 1989.

“If you don’t know what it means to be afraid to voice your opinion, then you can consider yourself very lucky to live in a place where liberty is a priority as well as a basic human right. And like all good things, liberty should be celebrated, and that’s what World Freedom Day is all about.” – Days of the Year

With Remembrance Day coming up this week, it is important to remember everyone who has fought to defend our freedoms. Many brave individuals paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives and rights of others.

In November 2015, the Globe and Mail published a piece from Remzi Cej, entitled “From one refugee to another: What you need to know about Canada.” This was at a time when Canada was beginning to welcome thousands of Syrian refugees to their new home. Reflecting on life and freedoms in Canada, Cej wrote:

“Perhaps the most important lesson I need to share with you: Be yourself in every sense of the word – whether you are Muslim, Christian, spiritual or an atheist; straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered; whether your beliefs are conservative or liberal. Canada is a place that thrives on diversity – and has learned hard lessons about suppressing our differences. Be yourself – and add to Canada’s greatness.”

To read Cej’s full article, click here.

For more information about World Freedom Day, visit Days of the Year.