Volunteers honor the memory of veterans as Remembrance Day approaches

In Saskatoon, volunteers at the Military Artifacts Museum work throughout the year to preserve the memory of veterans lost during the First World War. As Remembrance Day approaches, on November 11, some admit to feeling sadness.

Remembrance Day commemorates November 11, 1918, the date of the Armistice which ended the First World War.

Veteran Kevin Hicks, 69, has made it his mission to preserve the memory of veterans who died in combat.

I was a soldier for many years and had to fight. I saw my best friend die. I owe him a debt. We must keep the memory of these people alive. Otherwise, they will be forgottenunderlines the septuagenarian.

The veteran has been sharing his time as a volunteer at the museum for 4 years now, with his partner. In total, nearly 15 volunteers work at the facility and most are veterans.

My mission is to keep this place alive and improve it in order to perpetuate the memory of these people.he said. I love it, it keeps me alive.

Volunteer Michael James, for his part, maintains that his work is rewarding and that he preserve history.

I like to keep stories alive, because every object here has a story. These people did what they did for ushe said.

The emotion is always there. Those of us who served will remember.

The Saskatoon Military Artifact Museum is usually closed on Mondays, but will be exceptionally open next Monday for Remembrance Day.

Volunteers will welcome visitors all day and offer guided tours on site.

With information from Rita St-Michel