Remembrance Day is right around the corner, and Canadians coast to coast will pause to honour the sacrifice of those who have served.
Lieutenant Colonel Amadeo Vecchio, the Commanding Officer of the Rocky Mountain Rangers says young people today still understand the significance of Remembrance Day.
“I think it’s personified in the home, and I think that our education systems do a really good job in regards to putting it out there and telling them the history,” Vecchio said.
“Also, if they have family members who have served, I think that’s brought forward.”
He says we should wear a poppy to remember the ultimate sacrifice of those who have served.
“The poppy is a symbol,” Vecchio added. “Your mind maybe elsewhere, but when you look at the poppy, you take that 2.5 seconds to reflect when you see it on someone’s clothing, over the heart.”
Here in Kamloops, we’ve got a sizable population, as Vecchio says a number of veterans choose to retire in this area.
“Every year you see the numbers dwindling. But we still have about 4,500 to 5,000 people that come out on Remembrance Day,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful day that the community galvanizes to support not only the military but also first responders and the public safety agencies that are involved.”
Ahead of Remembrance Day, the Rocky Mountain Rangers are partnering up with the Kamloops Food Bank for the fourth year for a food drive, as well as with the Kamloops Blazers for Military Appreciation Night this Friday, November 9.
The food bank drive is set for November 10 at Independent Grocers and the Superstore from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM.