Oakville Beaver, 5 Nov 2015, p. 3

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3 | Thursday, November 5, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com continued from p.1 Veterans remember comrades past on Nov. 11 Mississauga. It also marked the 100th anniversary of the iconic war poem In Flanders Field penned by Canadian John McCrae. Organizer Kristin Courtney thanked the veterans attending for their bravery and service to the country. "Veterans, today and every day, we honour you, your comrades who have passed on and those who died on the battlefield," she said. "We will never forget the tremendous sacrifices you made, and that you continually make for our country, and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. You'll always be remembered as our nation's heroes." Veterans also heard from speakers that included retired major Robert Holliday, who gave the invocation as guests paused for a few moments and reflected on those who fought and sacrificed their lives for Canada. "Their sacrifice will ever inspire us to the end that those who survived and need our aid may be assured of assistance and that the country in which we live, and for which they died, may ever be worthy of the sacrifice they made," he said, his voice faltering slightly. Canadian Forces Brigadier-General David Patterson, spoke on behalf of the serving members of the Canadian Forces, and noted how nice it was to have veterans from the Second World War, Korean War, peacekeeping missions and the Afghanistan War gathered under one roof. "The image of the humble veteran is almost cliché, but in this cliché, there is also some truth. Most veterans don't celebrate or even discuss the things they've done in times of conflict," he said. "It's the moments they spend with their comrades; moments of heroism to be shared, with moments of fear as well; moments of intense activity, also moments of boredom. The 14th annual Veterans Luncheon brought together veterans of the Second World War, the Korean War and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Pictured from left, members of the St. Dominic School choir that sang O Canada. Centre, Korean veteran Jack Cadeau, who served in the army, listens to Canadian singing trio The Mantini Sisters, during the luncheon entertainment. Canadian Forces Brigadier General David Patterson, right, salutes alongside some of his troops during the playing of the national anthem. | photos by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) decorated with medals -- two long-service, a Korean War and a NATO medal. The memories, and the recollection of the camaraderie with other military men during his time serving the country, surface at this time of the year for veterans like Walters. "It clears out my tear ducts," said the veteran, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Burlington Branch 60, who joined the army at age 17 and went on to serve in the Air Force. He accumulated 25 years of military service. On Monday, veterans were welcomed by members of The Lorne Scots, Queens Own Rifles, RCMP and Halton Police Services. They enjoyed a lunch served by volunteers. The event was attended by local politicians, military brass, had entertainment by The Mantini Sisters and the St. Andrews Pipes and Drums from And, it's those moments of comrades, who did not come home, that are most present, particularly at this time of year... as they are for me." Veterans were encouraged to reach out for help, if they're going through a difficult time coping with the experiences they have gone through. Army veteran Fred Smith noted Remembrance Day can stir up a lot of emotions that can be difficult to manage. "This is the time of year when our guys are hurting," said Smith, who started Veterans Helping Veterans 10 years ago to help others deal with mental health and substance abuse issues. Speaking from his experience in living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that caused his life to spin out-of-control, he said there are resources veterans can access, and that they are not alone. 4th Anniversary & Holiday Reveal November 10th, 2015 6:00pm-8:00pm $20 per ticket Ticket holders will receive a Swag Bag (valued at $100) for your continued support Join our celebration of fun, Raffles, Draws, Gifts with Purchase, Swag and so much more! Learn from the experts the latest Holiday makeup trends Exclusive Holiday Gift Sets will be revealed Early Stress Free Holiday Shopping Please Join Us for Our RSVP with us for Priority Booking Limited Seating 1011 Upper Middle Rd. East | 905.842.7465 prettyinpinkspa.com

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