With a hand over her heart, where her poppy is placed, Vera Murray remembers the valor and courage characterized in her family members who fought in the past.
Vera is this year's War Mother and will be laying the first wreath at the Remembrance Day Ceremonies being held at the Cenotaph and the Royal Canadian Legion.
"It's a great honour to lay the first wreath. I want to do a good job," she said.
Her father-in-law, Geoffery Murray fought in WWI and was wounded at Vimy Ridge. He returned to Canada for recovery, and then was re-enlisted.
Vera's husband Sam Murray was in the Royal Air Force and trained pilots until he went overseas in WWII.
"In those days it was the thing to do. To serve your country," she said.
Vera's son Rob lost his life in a tragic plane accident while training in Moose Jaw 23 years ago. He was 23 years of age at the time. One week from when he was to graduate, Vera received a call from Rob's friend's mother. She asked Vera to sit with her son as she couldn't be there.
"That was one of the hardest moments of my life," she said.
Laying the wreath at the Remembrance Day ceremony will also be an emotional act for Vera as she remembers all the good times she had with her family.
After Sam returned from WWII, Vera smiled when she said he had to carry the engagement ring around for weeks prior to asking for her hand in marriage.
"I was so busy playing hockey that I didn't have time for him, so he had to carry the ring around for three weeks," she said.
Their relationship grew as did their family. Vera's other son Ken will be laying a wreath in Ottawa. Vera said Ken carries the medals of his father and grandfather as well as the wings of his brother during the ceremony.
Her daughter Carla and her husband will be laying a wreath at the Kenossee Lake Remembrance Day Ceremonies.
"I was pleased to be asked to do it here," said Vera, "The Legion has been so good to me."
When Sam passed away, Vera said all the monetary donations went to help purchase the first lift for the Royal Canadian Legion.
As time passes, the aged veterans of this country need accessibility and helping to purchase a lift for the Legion was one way Vera said they could help.
"The war veterans don't get nearly the respect they deserve," she said. "Some young kids don't understand, and that really hurts me. Those people gave their lives for their freedom."
