How to explain this to children? My daughters noticed the poppies that newscasters were wearing on their blazers and asked what they were. I explained that they are worn in honour of Canadian soldiers that had fought in past wars and for those who currently serve our country. I went on to explain that some had been injured or killed but that the reason for their sacrifice was and is for the benefit of future generations like ourselves. They are quick to notice them pinned to the clothing of people they know and strangers alike.

November 11th always makes me think of my grandparents and what this period of their lives must have been like. I can’t begin to really comprehend the many sacrifices they made during this time. My mother describes the sweet taste of oranges that were available after the war and the butter rationing during the war. These descriptions help to give a sense of daily life but they don’t  give the whole picture.

People lived differently in that era. Granted they hadn’t experienced technological advances such as computers, colour TV, cell phones or Internet banking or faced the prevalence of credit, credit cards or on-line shopping.

The point is, the war generation lived and still lives differently than more current generations. Whether it’s out of the reality of low income or different value choices, their financial management style is quite different than ours. Given that there is a humongous amount of wealth transferring from them to our parents and ourselves …. they might be on to something. The proof is in the numbers.