People around the world celebrated last night when it was announced that Barack Obama will become the 44th president of the United States.

Police estimated that 125,000 gathered at Obama’s Grant Park rally in Chicago Tuesday night. National newspapers across both Canada and the United States splashed the president-elect’s photo on the front page with headlines such as “Historic win” and “The new world.”

Can Obama change the world? Probably not. Can he reverse problems created by President Bush? It will be tough. Will he be a successful president? Who knows.

The important thing to take away from this election is the changing of attitudes. Perhaps too much focus is being placed on the colour of Obama’s skin, but his victory is a big step toward making ancestry and appearance less significant issues.

And if the election of one candidate over another can make so many people joyous around the world, then that in itself is a good thing.

Realizing Remembrance Day

In an interview for a story in this week’s paper, former military chaplain David Prowse said he thought today’s younger generations have a good grasp of the importance of recognizing Remembrance Day.

While it’s noble of him to say so, it’s undoubtedly tough for children to really understand, or adults too who have never had war come into their lives. 

Having been through it is one thing, but hearing the experiences of veterans and those who have a role in armed conflict can bring the stories closer to home.

So it’s the adults in our communities who bear the burden of teaching children about respect for veterans, the severity of war, and the solemnity of the day. Let’s try our best to connect youth with meaningful stories of the past, to get across the true meaning of remembrance.

Community support

As winter approaches, the cold weather really starts to set in, and the town quiets down, people may find themselves looking for ways to keep busy.

Brett Ireland, president of the Jasper Wolves hockey team, said he’d like to see more fans in the seats, and there are a few good reasons for Jasperites to get out to a game.

Attending a game certainly supports the players, but at the same time the midget team holds a 50/50 

fundraiser in support of a local charity. 

Hockey fan or not, it’s not difficult to enjoy Jasper’s hockey games, whether you greet friends in the stands or watch for recognizable faces on the ice. 

The team’s next home game is Nov. 21 at 8:30 p.m. at the Jasper arena, when the team will need your support as they face the league’s top team, the Edson Ice.