It’s a simple yet poignant reminder of the sacrifices so many made for our country and freedom.
With the help of Tsawwassen Rotarians, students in South Delta Secondary’s Interact Club placed dozens of small white crosses on the lawn at the Kiwanis Longhouse in Tsawwassen last Friday to mark Remembrance Day.
Bearing the names of fallen soldiers as well as a poppy for each, the crosses honour Delta veterans of past wars
Grade 11 student Joelle Hamilton, who's been in Interact for a couple of years because she enjoys giving back to her community, said people, especially in Delta, should never forget and take for granted the sacrifices of those who served.
"We've never had to live in a time with such awful traumas happening. My great grandpa, when I was little, would tell me stories when he was in World War Two what the world was like then," she said.
Classmate Devon Matson agreed, saying it's important to inform youth, especially, of those who died in past conflicts.
"We live in such a privileged community, so a lot of kids don't understand what's happening across the world even now. By placing these crosses by the rec centre, which is a very kid friendly zone where a lot of kids come to hang out, they see this and can start conversations with their parents and others," said Matson.
Attending the installation before heading off to Tsawwassen Mills to hand out poppies, Tsawwassen Legion president Bill Belsey said it's comforting to see young people take an interest in those who fought for our freedom.
"Seeing them put up these crosses, all of them bearing names of those who gave their life in the war, is so good to see. They're working hard to make sure they are remembered. That's what remembrance is all about," Belsey said.
Also at the installation, school board chair Laura Dixon, who's a youth director for the Rotary, said having the Tsawwassen Legion involved is another way for young people to connect with veterans and helps them understand what such projects truly mean.
Interact clubs are Rotary International service clubs for young people ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.
According to Rotary, each year Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill.
Rotary notes it’s one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas. Almost 200,000 young people are involved.
