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President’s message: ‘We will remember them all’

Legion president Jim Spencer talks about the old and young veterans
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At this time of the year, millions of people pay their deep respects to Canadian veterans who have fallen in the service of our nation.

It’s also a time to honour those still serving in the Canadian Forces and RCMP, whether they’re in areas of conflict or taking part in operations to maintain peace.

We remember individually – by wearing a poppy close to our hearts.

We remember collectively on Remembrance Day … a solemn and sacred time.

On that day, many thousands gather at local cenotaphs across the nation for services and commemorations organized by Legion branches.

On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month…we stand in silence. For two minutes, a serene quiet falls over our communities as we pause with thanks.

The Legion is very committed to ensuring the tradition of remembrance remains relevant to younger generations.

One of the ways we do this is through our national creative art and writing contest, with more than 100,000 students each year honouring Canada’s veterans with their incredible submissions.

The Legion and its branches will always remain places of support and friendship for veterans, families and others.

We are involved in some pretty incredible initiatives.

The Legion is Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization.

We have 275,000 members at more than 1,400 branches here and abroad. Most are volunteers.

I’d like to share some final thoughts:

Honouring veterans is our duty.

Helping veterans is our mission.

At the Legion, we will always be committed to making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families and remembering the men and women who sacrificed for our country.

It’s easy to take our freedoms for granted.

We must remember Canada’s fallen from all conflicts, and all peace support operations.

We will remember them all.

Jim Spencer is the president of The Royal Canadian Legion Cariboo Branch 94.