Once again (oh, how a year passes quickly), North Bay and area gathered to remember Canada's fallen War dead from conflicts both recent and in the past.
Once again (oh, how a year passes quickly), North Bay and area gathered to remember Canada's fallen War dead from conflicts both recent and in the past.
The Military honourably decorated and over a thousand people attended the event at North Bay's Memorial Gardens.
This year, while dated with a special 11/11/11 day, was like the many other times we've gathered together in the city for this day of Remembrance.
It was a time and a place where many found it hard to speak yet proudly remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. While remembrance is sometimes the most difficult aspect of being human, there is something we all have to learn and come to terms with in our own space. While it's nearly impossible to really know the true emotional upset involved in each personal experience, it's in the sharing of stories and kinship that helps each other get through.
Sergeant Brian Boldt, currently with the 22 Wing Squadron CFB North Bay, knows about this day of emotion all too well.
He's served in the military for 40 years and has "seen them come and go".
"So, it is emotional," Sgt. Boldt says, "not necessarily in death but for friends, because we are a community."
Phil MacKinnon, Detachment Commander for the Northern Ontario Police Detachment, shares in Boldt's sentiments.
"Today is a hard day for any member of the military because just about everybody in the military knows somebody who's been over the Afghanistan, usually injured or killed or has a grandfather who served in the war or a father who served in one of the wars," MacKinnon says.
"It's a very difficult and a very emotional time for members of the military.
Lisa North, who belongs to the Branch 23 of the Royal Canadian Legion, says that she ventures out every year for Remembrance Day, not only because she supports the Veterans, but also because she comes from a long military bloodline. Her uncle, grandfather and sister served in the military at different points in it's history.
"Remembrance Day is a great thing to do for our Veterans and we should be doing more for them," says North, "We owe them our lives."
With 22 completed missions under his belt in the 419 Squadron in WWII, Robert Studholme fought for the Canadians at Middleton, in St. George, England.
"I feel that we're honouring friends of mine that didn't come back," Studholme says, "I was one of the lucky ones. Most of my friends got killed."
North, MacKinnon and Studholme were adamant about the need for Canadians to support and to honour a strong military for the country.
"There's been fantastic support for the military, for those Veterans who have gone over to Afghanistan", says MacKinnon, "but let's not forget those who have gone to Korea the ones who have served in the wars. These are the people that fought for your way of life, for your freedom."
"Let's remember them."
North adds that it's important to remember that if it wasn't for Canada's courageous veterans, we wouldn't be here today.
"When we say our prayers at night, we should be thanking them" says North.
