Remembrance Day is a time for many Canadians to honour those who defended Canada in war.
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READ: Here is how Medicine Hat is marking Remembrance Day
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Some may show their respect to veterans by attending services that take place on Nov. 11.
Two veterans, who both served in the South Alberta Light Horse Regiment, are facilitating their own presentation around Medicine Hat this week.
Eldon Wells and Doug Heine are two veterans who, having both served in the regiment, are facilitating a Remembrance Day presentation to various groups in the city.
A video tribute to veterans was put together by Wells and Heine, and has been shown annually for the past seventeen years.
Wells, who served from 1965 to 1968, says that they will be putting on the presentation at eleven senior homes and seven schools this year.
“We have to keep the memories alive of those who have served our country and kept us free over all these years,” he said.
Heine, who served for 22 years, explained that he felt it was important that the presentation be shown at senior homes, but also schools as well.
He said it’s an opportunity, for seniors who had family members in the war, to keep the memory of their loved ones alive.
“In the schools, we’re trying to promote, with the younger generation, the service that people who have gone before, that are responsible for the freedoms that we have today,” he said.
Edward Pollard, a ninth grader at Alexandra Middle School, attended the presentation at the school and participated as well in a march and salute to the veterans.
He himself is involved in the local Air Cadets youth organization.
“It prepares you for life, mostly. It was originally founded for kids to go into the military, but now it’s changed to be teaching you life skills.” He said.
Pollard says that presentations like the one Wells and Heine facilitate are important to be shown, alike the annual services held by the city.
“It’s important for younger people to remember because it shows that our generation respects the generations that have passed and died for our future.”
Josie Van Middelkoop, a teacher at Alexandra, is appreciative of the two veterans who reached out to the school, and others around the city.
“I think it’s really important for our youth who maybe don’t have a lot of experience with past events,” She said.
“Or maybe have not had the opportunity to meet veterans or really have any idea with kind of what goes on there. I think it’s important for them to experience it.” She added.
Wells says that his own grandfather, a veteran, was an inspiration for him, and wants to continue the recognition for those who served to following generations.
“We wanted to get into the younger generation too, to make sure that they know what we’re doing and to remember the past and present veterans.” He said.
Although many seniors in homes may have relatives or family that served the country, it’s equally as significant for their grandchildren or great-grandchildren to show their respect as well.
