Reservists hold a special place for day

Members of the 64th Field Battery see the importance of Remembrance Day from the viewpoint of sharing a uniform with this country's veterans.

Bombardier Matthew Fairbanks of Melville said the day is one for people to pause and say thanks to veterans.

"It makes people not forget about the veterans that sacrificed their lives and the soldiers that made it home but were still scarred from it," he said.

Bombardier Richard Casement of Lesley said when he attends Remembrance Day ceremonies his mind is on the veterans.

"I think mostly about World War I and World War II and how much these guys sacrificed," he said. He said without that sacrifice it is hard to envision what sort of a world we might now live in.

"Without them it's impossible to say what we'd have," he said, adding that is one of the things that bothers him, how little people know of the wars and the impact they had on our world. "It's very disappointing how many people are forgetting what happened It's pretty sad the lack of awareness of what happened."

Master Bombardier Mike Sweatman said Remembrance Day almost has double meaning for him, and both are important.

On one hand the day is one to remember the veterans, and their sacrifices, he said, adding you can feel the loss of veterans when you attend services Nov. 11.

And Sweatman said there is also a feeling of pride associated with the day as a Reserve member. He said he is aware of the hard work, dedication, and pride soldiers have put into, and have for the uniform they wear, and the job they perform on behalf of their country.

"There's a definite sense of pride," he said. " It really gives you a sense of belonging, of a place in history, what it means to be a soldier."

Being reservists also makes Remembrance Day a day to remember recent comrades who served and died in the war in Afghanistan.

Fairbanks said he is very aware of soldiers who "have risked their lives over there and died." He added there have been "lots of guys from here," that have served in Afghanistan.

"A lot of friends and colleagues have sacrificed," echoed Sweatman.

The conflict in Afghanistan and the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers has focused more attention on what the Armed Forces do for Canada.

"There's a resurgence of patriotic feelings among Canadian and soldiers," he said.

Casement agreed Afghanistan has increased awareness of the current Armed Forces.

"It got very real for all of us," he said. "I think the public has become more aware that we're not just peacekeepers."

Casement said the current Armed Forces are a well trained army which is proud to serve its country.

Attending Remembrance Day services is mandatory as a reservist, said Fairbanks. "But it doesn't need to be, we'd go anyway."

Casement said participation in the ceremonies is one way people can help keep the history alive and raise awareness of its importance.

"It's important for everyone to take part," he said.

The reserve soldiers also see a role for the Royal Canadian Legion, and as veterans of earlier wars pass they see a role for themselves in keeping the organization, and Remembrance Day alive.

Fairbanks said he is a member of the Melville Legion, and has been for six years. He said it was a natural given his involvement in the Reserves and that his Great Grandfather was a veteran of First World War.

Sweatman said Reservists recognize the importance of the Legion, and that the organization "is something that needs to keep going," which is why several members are already involved in local branches.

Casement said he plans to join the Legion.

"It's still important," he said, adding as it is there are no First World War veterans left, and the number of Second World War veterans is declining so recent Armed Forces members, the families of veterans and anyone recognizing the importance of the Legion and its work need to become involved.