There was a time when Canada Forces infantryman Martin Tarnoci didn't think much about Remembrance Day when he was younger.
That changed, however, when he joined the Canadian Forces about a year ago.
“When you are actually here, serving and hearing the stories from those that came back who are survivors or the memorials for those who weren’t, it just hits your soul a lot deeper,” Tarnoci said.
Tarnoci is among the millions of Canadians who unite annually on Nov. 11 to remember those who fought, died or were wounded for the country. The two minutes of silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day, the moment when the First World War ended, becomes a moment of reflection.
Theresa Rose, the vice-president of the Ladies Auxiliary, a part of Branch 139 of the Canadian Legion in Streetsville, Ont., joined two years ago to give back to the community through her sobriety journey.
“I am responsible to give back to the community," Rose said. "Also, because my grandfather Frank Newby joined the army at the age of 30, in the First World War, and so I thought what better way to honour his legacy.
"He was raised in an orphanage and immigrated to Canada from London, England. He was known to be very strict and tough in his teachings," she said.
Rose said Newby, who died in 1991, had a quiet but confident and cooperative manner. He was born in London and immigrated to Canada with the help of the Salvation Army when he was 16. He was placed on a farm and became a farm labourer before he joined the army. and intended to use his earnings and reestablish his credit. This would help pay off his mortgage on the house he purchased.
Once his time in the army was complete, he was confident that his readjustment to civil life would be an easy one, he wrote in his discharge certificate.
Rose said that every year the number of veterans declines, and soon their generation will be gone. That’s why Remembrance Day remains so important, especially for younger generations, she said.
“Once all veterans have passed, it will be up to us to carry their legacy forward and ensure that the significance of their sacrifice continues to be honoured for generations to come,” Rose said.
Rose said that the Ladies Auxiliary has fundraisers throughout the year, and funds raised are given to assist the local Legions across the province. The Legion operates programs such as school activities, cadets, Girl Guides and bursaries.
Clare Ivancic, a retail worker and recent George Brown graduate in early childhood education, said she wears her poppy to show her gratitude.
“I think once the younger generations get older into high school, they more so understand the First World and Second World War,” Ivancic said.
She said workplaces should do more to honour the lives lost.
“I know workplaces typically have donation boxes where customers can buy a poppy, but I think they should do more. Take some time to honour lives, stop working services and show your respect," Ivancic said.
Tarnoci wants Canadians to be more aware, understanding and empathetic toward the people who fought in the wars and to appreciate the sacrifices they made for the benefits Canadians enjoy today.
“Remembrance Day means a lot to me," the Mississauga native said. "Usually, those who I serve with and I get together, go down to one of the memorial statues. We lay a wreath down and say prayers together, and then we go out and celebrate that we are still here and are able to have our country and freedoms.
“I wish Canadians had more pride in the people who lay down their lives," he said. "I have seen a lot of people brush it to the side and not really care, which is hurtful, knowing what other families have gone through.
"I know everybody has a busy life, but put it to the side for just a couple of hours and pay respects and think about the people who never made it home,” Tarnoci said.
