Starting this Saturday, communities around Wellington County will be hosting Remembrance Day events to honour veterans and the war dead.
At least 15 events across the county will give people ample time to get out and remember long lost relatives, or friends of the family. Indeed, all Canadians should make the effort to attend a service and recognize the sacrifices of generations past.
It was that sacrifice decades ago and since, that allows us to enjoy the quality of life and democratic country in which we live.
One of the benefits of publishing a Newspaper is the chance to interview and share stories from veterans and their families. In recent years we have been approached by family members keen to share letters and stories from the world wars.
The importance of history and preserving it for future generations is something that can’t be overstated.
This week our reporter from Guelph-Eramosa chronicles the hard work by local residents to bring life to the many names featured on the Rockwood cenotaph. For decades one only knew the name, or surmised of a relative, but now, thanks to dedicated volunteers, history has been captured.
Volunteers of the Arthur and Area Historical Society planted over 700 tulip bulbs to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland. The bulbs were donated through Vesey’s Bulbs in PEI and given to the society as one of 140 gifts distributed across Canada. Volunteers in nearby Grand Valley held a similar planting at the cenotaph there.
To this day, the Dutch people have a special spot in their hearts for Canadians, continuing to remember some 7,600 souls who perished overseas, saving them from the Nazi regime.
Other communities have undertaken similar programs, sprucing up their cenotaphs in honour of veterans.
One of the greater challenges facing our Newsroom is the dwindling number of veterans available to interview. Come to think of it, there are very few of our own family or connections left. Time has passed, but our interest and thanks for their service remains true. Take time this Remembrance Day and remember.
