World War II veteran impressed by youth
Courtyard Gardens resident Steve Puhach was impressed by what he saw at Richmond High on Friday morning.
A Remembrance Day service to honour the contributions of Canadian veterans, served to do more than pay tribute to the past sacrifices.
It showed that current youth are respectful of the things other youth did for their country and families some 70 years ago.
Sgt. Steve Puhach, now 98, served from 1941 to 1945 in the medical troop, working in Jamaica and then Italy during World War II. He worked alongside medics as an ambulance driver.
"I think it's very great that this generation is taking it seriously what we went through. They are lucky and happy that they did not have to face what we did in our time...At least I know they consider and value...what we did in the past," Puhach said. "I think they did very well."
Students Lauren Juliano and Aidan Wright spoke about the importance of remembering the past.
"War and conflict are still devastating parts of our world," Wright said. "We must not forget that many lives have been sacrificed to give us what we have today. It is our duty to keep that message of peace alive. And we can do that by remembering the voices of war."
Added Juliano: "That is why we are here today. To express our gratitude for our freedom which we owe so deeply to those who have risked and gave their lives to defend our nation to pursue peace. The sounds of war and the cries for peace will forever shape the lives we live today. Today is a day to honour the bravery and heroism of those soldiers."
The ceremony also included a choir, band and military procession by the local cadets.
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