C4

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

Speak Up

Images from the First and Second World Wars often come to mind when Canadians think about Remembrance Day.

This year, Thom Joordens, president of the NATO Veterans Association, said he wants people to also think about the many men and women who have served with the Canadian Forces and who have given their lives for their country in more recent years.

"There's nothing wrong with recognizing the people who died in the Second World War and Korea," Joordens said. "But we should also be including post-war veterans, from after those wars."

Jean-Guy Perrault, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 4, said Remembrance Day is an opportunity to remember all the Canadians who have given their lives for their country.

"Remembrance Day is for all wars," he said "We can never forget any of the people who made the supreme sacrifice. All veterans must be remembered."

Perrault said it's important that young people are taught about the people who have defended Canada.

"Legions are here to remind people," he said. "Nov. 11 is a date that rings a bell for a lot of people. The younger generation cannot forget what brave Canadians have done for us."

Joordens, who served overseas with NATO and was a member of the Canadian Forces for 20 years, said 570 members of NATO who served overseas with the Canadian Forces and 927 dependants were buried in European cemeteries prior to 1993.

"Those Canadians were never returned to Canadian soil," Joordens said. "They were buried in 44 cemeteries across Europe. Most people don't know about the huge numbers of Canadians that never left Europe.

"We need to tell these stories. (NATO veterans are) starting to become better recognized, but we still have a long way to go."

Remembrance Day ceremonies around the Fredericton region this week will give people the opportunity to reflect on the many men and women who have lost their lives while serving with the Canadian Forces.