A Century of Remembrance

 

The 11th day of November in the year 2019 marks 101 years since the last gun fell silent on the war to end all wars. 

Policies and politics following World War I led to a second world conflict just 20 years later. With the number of Canadians who have seen front line battle rapidly decreasing, many believe it becomes more important each year to take time to reflect on the lessons they have taught us. As generations pass, fewer people understand the true importance of these lessons.

June Maxine Gowdey, 89, is the former president of the Ladies Auxilliary of the Royal Canadian Legion. Both her father and husband served in the military as well as several acquaintances from her neighbourhood. 

“Remembrance Day has always been important to me because I lived and breathed wartime… If we don’t keep that alive, we are doomed to repeat it,” said Gowdey.

She said has known many veterans and attends the service in Essex every year. Gowdey said she helps with the Parkwood Hospital Veterans Program to provide necessities for veterans and has a large hand in fundraising for a campaign to re-do the cenotaph in Essex.

Similarly, Janice Coatsworth, 59, said her father fought for the United States in WWI. She said he was captured and held in a German war camp for over a year. After watching her father return, Coatsworth said she has seen the effects war has had on those around her. 

“I see how they struggle when they come back… I have friends that served in Afghanistan that came back as broken men,” Coatsworth said.

Every year, Coatsworth wears her poppy and attends the service in Essex in honour of those who gave their lives for her freedom. She does everything she can to spread the importance of this holiday, especially to younger generations.

“We need to try to make the young people aware of how important their freedom is and how grateful they should be because it can be gone in a second,” said Coatsworth.

Kelly Sparling, 18, has no personal connection to the military. To her, Remembrance Day is important but the reasons why have been generalized.

“They fought for our country so we can be safe. The least I can do is take an hour or two to acknowledge their sacrifice,” said Sparling. 

She attends a school mass every year to honour those who have served and pay her respects to the fallen.

Find a time and place to honor those who fought for freedom at:

https://visitwindsoressex.com/event/windsor-essex-remembrance-day-guide-2019