According to the dictionary "A Veteran" is described as "an experienced soldier or an exsoldier. A member of the armed forces who has been in active service."

Prior to 2005 Canada designated those men and women who served in the Canadian navy, Army & Air Force during World Wars I and II, plus the Korean Conflict as "veterans" who qualified for benefits under the Canadian Veterans Act.

During Remembrance Day activities over the years the emphasis has been on those men and women who had given their lives during those conflicts and had not returned home.

Those who served in those same conflicts and survived, albeit often with injuries and tortured thoughts, seemed forgotten, at least until 2004/05.

After an emotional visit to the beaches of Normandy by several local Veterans in 2004, a decision was made to identify and record the names of all men and women of Dufferin County who had served in the Canadian Forces during the period 1914-1918 and 1929- 1945. This was the "Lost Soldier Project" which paid tribute to and honoured not only the fallen veterans but the survivors as well.

During the many events celebrating "The Year of the Veteran" in 2005, the Canadian Government took a bigger step and amended the "Veterans Act" to include all former and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces plus Peace keepers as "Veterans." This was done to recognize the participation of Canadian Armed Forces personnel in the "Cold War" (1955-1990) and peacekeeping assignments in many parts of the world plus combat operations in Somalia and Iraq (Desert Storm).

This amendment also granted them the benefits and pensions previously awarded only to the veterans of WW I and II.

So on Remembrance Day, let us honour and remember not only our aging warriors and their fallen comrades of past campaigns but also our men and women who have voluntarily served and are still serving in the Canadian Armed Forces to bring peace and stability to many parts of the world.

Lest We Forget, these armed forces personnel also deserve our recognition, thanks and prayers for their sacrifices and efforts made in the service of Canada both at home and abroad for they too are "Canadian Veterans." M.C. Parker, CD, GJM,

VSM, SSM

Dufferin