what is the significance of Remembrance Day?

It's that time of year-almost mid-Nov. Poppy time. Remembrance Day. What, why, and who????? Ever wonder truly why this is a holiday? A day off work, and kids get to stay home from work??? Every year we see poppies being worn by people on the street, and all TV hosts and celebrities. But, I wonder how much thought actually goes into this little ritual. Not to sound preachy or anything, but I think we are forgetting too easily of why this day is here for us to observe a historical event. I don't remember the wars. Before my time. At least the ones that started this observance. Maybe I'm getting older and have more time to consider why we do this. I asked my dad what he remembered of WWII, and he couldn't remember much. I found it interesting what he did remember-the sky turned very dark at 9 that morning-the start of the war. Odd, isn't it??? The weather was feeling along with the situation. He said he and his older sister were riding along with his dad, delivering milk, and the sky turned dark. He was 4 yrs old apparently. He doesn't remember anything else of that day. His father did not have to serve in the war because of family and farm responsibilities. I remember my mom telling me her father served, and received medals in honor of his service. Those are my family connections to the war. I don't have a close family member serving now, either. Can you imagine???? It would be difficult enough to send your family member now, in this era of technology. but, back then, you would let your loved one go, not knowing when your next form of communication would be, if there was one!!! What tremendous sacrifice was given of those people!!! Those that went, and those that stayed behind to support in other necessary roles!! I do take my 'free' country for granted. Lives were lost so that I can live the way I do-so our children can go to school and be educated-so we can express our thoughts and feelings openly-to believe what we choose-to travel-to maintain friendships openly-to be employed in our professions-to eat like royalty!!-.......the list could go on and on....... we are truly blessed!!! I admire the men and women who still serve today in the areas around the world that are struggling. To fight for freedom for people you don't know personally! To fight for the right thing! For the minorities, for the men, women, and children, who are stuggling, in dire need of basic needs. So hard for me to imagine this neediness, but its there, and there are people from our country serving in the capacity to enable these to be able to cope and improve their environment! So, my gratitude and respect, go out to those who have served, and are serving at present!