As Canadians prepare for a day of solemn reflection, two local projects are shining a spotlight on our veterans’ sacrifices.
Librarians at the Kitchener Public Library are looking for virtual volunteers to help research and gather stories from soldiers who served.
The information will be compiled in an online digital collection.
“We have a lot of cards for which there’s just a little bit of information,” says Karen Ball-Pyatt, a historian librarian. “We’re hoping that people are able to fill in these missing pieces.”
The collection will start with soldiers from World War I and will eventually grow.
It’s an enormous undertaking, but according to the president of Guelph’s Royal Canadian Legion, it needs to be done.
“If we don’t remember history it will repeat itself,” says Doug Dolby. “We certainly don’t need any more wars or conflicts. The world has had enough of it.”
Outside the Guelph branch is another reminder of sacrifice.
158 white crosses are set up on the legion’s lawn, commemorating those Canadians who died in Afghanistan.
“When you look and there are 158 crosses there,” Dolby says. “It sure looks like a lot more.”
A legion member thought it would be a powerful way to honour the soldiers and their families.
“They left behind a broken family. 158 broken families,” says Jacque DeWinter, a former peacekeeper.
