On this day we remember

By Quentin Doak

Remembering those who gave their lives in past wars is still important to young people and many of them were present at the cenotaph in City Hall Square Nov. 11.

Nick Robinson and Kassidy Morency are students in the travel and tourism program at St.Clair College. Neither has a family member who served in the military.

“I have friends that are thinking of joining the army and I think today is a good day to think back and reflect on what people have done and been through,’’ said Robinson.

Although serving in the military is not for everyone, many in their younger years are adamant to serve their country.

“Today is a time to remember and reflect,” said Morency. “It’s a somber day. I have very close friends and their goals in life are to go out and protect our country. Possibly (losing them) to war is tough.”

Matthew Luloff has served in Afghanistan and attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in Windsor to honour the memory of those who served before him.

“I’ve been a reservist since 9/11. After that I wanted to join the regular force because these are some of the most highly respected soldiers in the Canadian Forces,” said Luloff. “I did one tour in Afghanistan in 2008. I was a reservist for four years and in the regular forces for three years.”

Many soldiers who have served in wars have developed post-traumatic stress disorders but there are several resources to help them.

“I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2009 after my tour. It’s been a long road to recovery but little by little I’ve been getting better and there is a lot of hope for guys that are still affected by their mental wounds,” said Louloff.

Remembrance Day comes once a year but for those Canadians who have lost family and friends to war, remembrance is a year-round event.