SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Doug H. Gallant is proud of his service with the Canadian military. But with each passing Remembrance Day he’s noticed fewer and fewer veterans marching in parade.
“Our numbers are getting so small. We’re lucky if we have 10 to 15 marching on parade,” said Gallant.
Gallant is a retired sergeant major with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and 2 CDO Canadian Airborne Regiment.
He says on Remembrance Day he sees veterans sitting in the stands with their berets and medals, not down on the floor with fellow servicemen.
“It breaks my heart when I see that.”
This prompted Gallant to write a letter to the editor to the Journal Pioneer and to reach out to the 200 Royal Canadian Airforce Wing in Summerside as well as the Royal Canadian Legion.
“Is it because (the veterans in the stands) think they need to be part of a Legion wing to march? Because that’s not the case.”
He said Remembrance Day is a time to honour and remember those who fought, served, and died for the country and the way of life Canadians have today.
“Sometimes I just want to shake (Canadians) and say come and support the people who fought for us. Show respect.”
If some veterans are unable to march because of a physical ailment, Gallant said they shouldn’t let that deter them from coming down on the floor with the rest of the service men and women.
“We’ve got veterans sitting up front, by the stage, because they might not be able to walk or march.”
Mike Charbonneau, the president of the RCAF 200 Wing said it’s not just the lack of numbers in parade, there are fewer and fewer veterans turning out to events.
“We’d like to see them with us. They need to be recognized too, for their work.”
Charbonneau didn’t serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. He joined the RCAF Wing and the legion to honour his father who was a dispatch driver in the Second World War.
“But you don’t have to be a member of a Legion or Wing to march in parade if you’ve served. And maybe some of them can’t march, but that’s ok. We have others who can’t too.”
Gallant added, “I just don’t understand why they’re not down there with us.”
Summerside will hold a Remembrance Day service at Credit Union Place on Nov. 11 beginning at 11 a.m.
