Dear Reader,

Memento is commonly thought of in relation to its synonyms, such as souvenir, memorial and monument. Likewise, it is also attributed to the idea of remembrance, as the Latin verb meminisse means “to remember.” However, because memento is the verb in its imperative form, the theme of this issue does not simply ask you to remember—rather, it commands you to. 

We partake in remembrance when we pin a red poppy to our jacket, give a eulogy at a funeral or put pictures in a scrapbook. Memento looks like wedding rings, Bible verses or trinkets, like the ones you can search for in this issue’s I Spy page.

In this issue’s Sports section, managing editor Cath de la Rambelje invites some of the TWU Spartans to share their love for their sport in “Spartans: Why We Play,” while the subject of our artist spotlight, Hanna Berg, recalls how lessons learned from 15 years in the military have influenced her art. 

Memento is in the driftwood rafts and leaves of Garry oak trees that contributor Sophie Agbonkhese reflects on in her poem “Everything,” and in staff writer Emma Helgason’s humorous article “Mementos and Meltdowns,” which highlights all of the reminders needed to get through the month of November, ranging from due dates to forum posts and everything in between. 
I encourage you to remember all the people, places and events that have shaped who you are as you read this issue of Mars’ Hill. While we all have memories we would rather forget, or moments we cannot quite remember, no matter how hard we try, there is purpose in our ability to recall past experiences and let them inform how we behave in the future. Memento is how we honour the sacrifices made by those who served our country. It is how we know God keeps His promises, and ultimately, it is how we know that the best is yet to come.

Sincerely,
Sadie McDonald