While the sharpness of the memories may have dulled over the years, their message is still very clear.
It’s important to remember.
Around a table in the corner of the main floor at the George Derby Centre, veterans of the Second World War gathered. It’s an opportunity for a small group of women and men to share stories ahead of two events: Last Friday, kids from local schools planted thousands of Canadian flags to honour the veterans who live at the seniors’ centre. Friday is Remembrance Day.
For these veterans of conflict, most now into their 90s, these types of ceremonies and gestures are vital for younger generations.
“I believe it’s very important the youngsters remember this,” said Marge Leffler, holding on a framed plaque recognizing her efforts during the war. “(The war) saved the world actually, we could easily be a part of Germany.”
She recalls when she was young standing in the snow for Remembrance Day ceremonies and how powerful it was for her.
Every year, when Nov. 11 comes around, the sights and sounds still stirs up raw emotion in Leffler.
“They play O Canada and my eyes tear up,” she said, adding she doesn’t want young kids today to forget their parents or grandparents took part in the liberation of Europe.
Her story isn’t all that uncommon for many young people at that time.
Leffler was walking down the street in Vancouver one day when she saw signs to join the Air Force. She already had family members in the service, so she figured why not?
She never went overseas, instead she worked in the fabric shop in Winnipeg. She did lose a cousin over the North Sea, but the rest of her family made it home safe after the war.
Charles Goodwin joined the British Navy in 1943 at the age of 17 after enduring the bombing raids in London. He, too, didn’t lose any family members in the Second World War, but his brother was torpedoed in the fighting.
Goodwin believes younger people need to carry on the messages from Remembrance Day so it never happens again.
“We don’t want another war,” he said. “Never forget, never forget.”
At 94, Rae Fowler has lived through it all. She was a radar operator, joining the war effort at 21.
While her time during the war more positive – she made friends with other women from around the country that lasted a lifetime – she also understands the horror of conflict.
“War is a futile gesture,” she told the NOW in a quiet but certain tone.
Fowler worries that after she and her generation are gone, people won’t remember two world wars.
“It’s good for the kids to remember,” she said.
While Fowler views kids planting Canadian flags in the veterans’ honour as “probably a good idea,” she’s feels strongly about the traditions already in place.
“I hope it never replaces the poppy, I think it’s more important than flags,” she said, pointing to the red poppy on her shirt.
