As a community newspaper reporter for a decade around B.C., I covered a lot of stories. I probably wrote thousands of pieces during my career. And the range was as wide as you’d expect in cities with thousands of people. They could be interesting, fun, and in some cases, heart wrenching. You get it all when you’re in community journalism.

At this time of year, I could expect the same assignment to land on my desk. Remembrance Day was coming, and in some way, it’s time to feature the brave men and women who fought and died for this country, whether it be in the First or Second World War, or more recent conflicts around the globe.

Honestly, a sense of monotony could set in writing about the same event year after year. But that was never the case for November 11th. This was a special day, and I always looked forward to delving into this part of Canadian history. There was nothing I found more inspiring then chatting with the veterans of these brutal wars. Their stories of bravery and survival in what I could only imagine was a living hell, never failed to leave an impression. What always struck me in my conversations is just how humble and gracious they are about their sacrifice. I got the sense they didn’t like the attention and they never thought of themselves as heroes. They were just doing what they thought was just and right. I considered it an honour, or even a duty to tell their stories to younger generations so we truly don’t ever forget.

But my admiration for these Canadian veterans runs deeper.
A large portion of my family was wiped out during the Holocaust. My grandparents, who were Polish Jews, somehow made it out of Europe during that crazy time. And while I don’t know all of the details of their harrowing journey to Canada, (for obvious reasons they didn’t really like talking about it) I do know they landed in Halifax shortly after the end of the Second World War with my two uncles. Eventually, my grandparents, Louis and Maria Grossman, settled in Montreal, where my mom was born. They raised a family and became very proud Canadians. My grandfather, a tailor by trade, even made a coat for former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Canada gave them the opportunity to start a new life, and they never forgot or took it for granted.

I certainly don’t take it for granted. If it wasn’t for all those brave Canadians fighting in the Second World War, I wouldn’t be here enjoying the life I have today. It’s that simple.
While I don’t know if one day is enough to thank all of the people who risked their lives for our freedom, take advantage while you can. Time is moving on, and there are fewer and fewer veterans left from these wars. So if you see one of our veterans during this Remembrance Day long weekend, shake a hand and say thanks. It’s the least we can do to recognize everything these heroes have done for us.

By Jeremy Deutsch