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REMEMBER THEIR LEGACY
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we remember.
Remembrance Day was set at the end of World War I and has continued as a tradition in Canada. In the early years, this day was known as Armistice Day. It is now Remembrance Day. As we come to the end of the Year of the Veteran, we are reminded by television that the men and women who fought the wars on behalf of Canada have left a legacy for those
who have never had to go to war. How do we define their legacy?
They gave us national identity
Young people today know who they are they are Canadians. The soldiers who went to World War I and World War II fought under the Red Ensign, and were British subjects. They fought under the direction of British commanders as part of Britain's armed forces. They have never done that again.In World War I, nobody could beat the German army back from Vimy Ridge until the Canadians came along. The Canadians took Vimy Ridge, advancing one metre at a time. A memorial stands to the Canadians at Vimy, France, today. For the first time, Canadians were identified as Canadians. In World War II, Canadians fought and died in Africa, Italy, Hong Kong, China, France, Germany, Belgium and especially in Holland, where Canadians took territory against terrible odds in terrible conditions to free the Dutch from the Nazi grip. Today, fields of crosses in Holland, France and Belgium mark the place where so many young Canadians paid the ultimate price. These cemeteries now fly a Canadian flag, not a British flag. Europeans learned of a nation and people called Canadians. That is one legacy our soldiers left.
Around the world, people have learned about Canada and Canadians thanks to peacekeeping forces deployed to places like the Gaza Strip, Pakistan, Bosnia and Afghanistan.
Activists for peace
Canada supported the formation of the United Nations Organization (UN) which was formed at the end of World War II as a means of bringing nations together to settle their differences through words instead of arms. Canada's Prime Minister Lester Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in making the UN effective. Canada's armed forces have served under the United Nations flag, and were among the first to do so, beginning with the Korean War and numerous peacekeeping efforts.Veterans' legacy at home
The Royal Canadian Legion became the peacetime service organization formed to care for veterans, and the widows and orphans of those who died in wars. The Legion became much more than a service to veterans and dependents. Following World War II, veterans continued to serve their country in many ways through the Legion.Across Canada, Legion members have built parks, senior's housing, funded bursaries and scholarships for youth, contributed to youth sports, supported Cadet troops providing leadership and skills training, and most recently, the Legion Youth Auxiliary. Across Canada, the Legion has built public facilities and donated them frequently for community use. The Poppy Fund has helped people of all ages every year, and continues to be that desperately needed extra source of funds for veterans' widows and veterans confined to hospitals and long term care facilities.
They built communities
In Keremeos, the Legion Hall and Memorial Park are part of the veterans' legacy to our valley. In Princeton, Memorial Park, the Legion Hall, and Silvercrest housing are part of the veterans' legacy. The facilities are often donated, or rented at minimal cost, for use of other groups, such as Guides and Brownies. Those are special structures built by the Legion, but more than these are the homes and families they created which built our communities. The veterans were the parents of the Boomer Generation, one of the most privileged generations of the 20th century. Veterans built businesses, industries and governments. They continued to serve in every walk of life.The 'never again' message
Every year, the Legion organizes the Remembrance Day parade and ceremony in both communities. People in every community in Canada stand out in the cold or wind or rain or snow on this day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country.On Remembrance Day, we pay our respects to those who died in military action, but more important, we remember why they died. They died so we could live in a country where we could determine our own future, rather than in a country under the thumb of a dictator or tyrant. More than paying our respects and remembering our freedom, we remember the message of our veterans: "never again".
This is a message about keeping peace in our world. It is a message about the horrors of war, and although the world continues to see the ravages of armed conflict in many locations, the legacy of our veterans has been 60 years of peace for Canadians.
The dead speak to us
Most of our veterans are dead now, but the deeds and ideals of our veterans live on in their legacy to us. Although our veterans pass on, those who remember and honour their legacy owe it to Canada's veterans to pick up the torch they carried so valiantly during their lives and carry it forward to the future.Remember.
ALL-CANDIDATES FORUM ATTRACTS A CROWD
Well over 100 people packed the Legion Hall last Tuesday night for the All-Candidates Forum.Each of the Candidates were introduced with a short bio and then allowed to present an opening statement.
Pam Jones, who is seeking her first term on council explained her reasons for becoming a Candidate
"I'm running for Town Council because I want to give something back and to thank Princeton for making me feel welcome."
Regarding progress and the future of Princeton, Jones said, "We have to get cracking" and diversify to address the current needs of the community's demographics.
Danny Sulentich, who has served many years on council in the past, sees a Community Plan as an essential asset.
"We have to have a plan in place to encourage new business to Princeton."
He added that improvements are needed to infrastructure including water, sidewalks, streets and the hospital.
He suggests a five year plan would be helpful.
Maria Sadegur is seeking her first term on Town Council.
"I've let my name stand as I want to help Princeton emerge from economic malaise."
She pointed to the need to upgrade existing bylaws and the hiring of a bylaw enforcement officer and would also like to see the development and marketing of an economic package.
"We also need to improve the current water supply and traffic flow within our Town Limits."
Jim Manion has been on Town Council in the past. He identified a number of issues including the development of the airport and business park, marketing our community and working with existing businesses.
"I firmly believe we need to develop a Community Plan. It is a template for today's council and future councils."
Manion says such a plan requires public input.
John Babiak is seeking his first term on council.
He has a number of concerns with the top one being, "there is no official Community Plan in place."
Babiak also feels the industrial park needs development, "When you have new development it attracts new business and more people to your community."
He also sees the airport as an asset, wants to see bylaws updated and harmony with Area H and the SVPS.
Spencer Coyne is seeking re-election to Town Council.
"We're all here tonight for the same reason. The future of our community."
He says he believes the next Town Council will be very important in the development of the future of Princeton.
Other issues include development of the business park, airport, tourism and a long-term infrastructure plan.
Ray Jarvis is seeking re-election to Town Council.
"After losing the mine here and all the families, it left quite a void and it takes a long time to fill a void."
He sees the wood waste power generating plant and methane gas projects as important to the future of the community.
On attracting new business Jarvis said, "Look at the strip mall. Three years ago it was empty now it is full. Town Council must be doing something right."
Darrel Alexandre is seeking his first term on Town Council.
"We need to make our town a destination for tourists and travellers."
He feels working on marketing our natural resources, such as lakes and hiking trails would be beneficial.
"We have to promote tourism heavily to attract tourists to our unique attractions."
He would also like to see stiff penalties imposed on deer feeders.
Following the opening statements was a question period featuring questions submitted previous to the forum.
The first five questions were aimed at specific candidates challenging either individual promises or previous performance, followed by a series of questions for all candidates to answer.
All candidates agreed they should be held accountable for election promises and that they would commit to doing their homework.
Lorne Esselink was unable to attend the Forum.
