Keeping the memories alive

This Wednesday, we pay tribute to all the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for us. But Remembrance Day should be more than just a day, a moment of silence. It should be something we carry with us every day, and we should never forget to thank those who have served. Jim Harris is a retired veteran from Chilliwack, who not only served with the Miltary Engineers, but works with the CFB Historical Society. Part of his service was peacekeeping in Yugoslavia, and through translators, they spoke to more than 4500 school kids about the dangers of land mines in the area. He says it’s always heartening when people talk to him and ask questions, and he gives an amazing example of what makes all those years of service worth it.

“A few years ago, a young lady came into our display room here (at our museum on Hocking ave).  She came over to me and said ‘you’re Jim Harris! You’re the blue bonnet from Yugoslavia!’ and I said ‘yes, I am…who are you?’  She said ‘I was a resident in Daruvar, you came into our school and talked to us….you saved many children’s lives.’  I instantly welled up with tears, and she left wearing my original blue beret.”

He says speaking to school children is always enjoyable, and despite the horrors of war, he’s able to tailor the talks to children so that they understand the meaning behind it without getting too descriptive.
Harris was at the Chilliwack Library on Tuesday speaking to people and gathering memories from the public…he says the Historical Society likes to help people learn about their military genealogy.

When Harris visits the cenotaph on Wednesday, he says a number of thoughts will rush into his head.

“I often think about those that have passed…close friends, my family, my father.  But also about the other families…when a veteran goes away, the families are left alone.  And even when the veteran comes back, it’s a very lonely time because the veteran has changed.”

He says he hopes above all, that people will at least try to understand the sacrifices that are made by those in the military.