A group of volunteers dedicated to keeping the memories of war veterans alive is celebrating a milestone this month.
For the 10th year on Nov. 1, volunteers with the Campbell River Genealogy Society placed 259 small Canadian flags on the graves of military veterans at the city's two cemeteries.
Janice Wilkin, a volunteer with the society, said members of her family served in the Canadian military, and their sacrifices inspire her commitment to honouring the memories of veterans each year.
"It's important that we show our younger generation that these men, who were local, fought for their freedom," Wilkin said.
The plaques reveal interesting details about the veterans, including where they were from, what war they fought in, and their military branches, offering a glimpse into their lives.
"We have people every year get in touch and tell us that because they saw our story, it brought something up in their family," she said. "Someone will tell them their family members served in the war and they hadn't realize it before."
The society also encourages Campbell Riverites to take a stroll around the grounds and read and reflect on some of the 73 information placards created for each of the WWI veterans.
Research is ongoing to identify any veterans that may have been missed previously, and the society is asking for the public's help with any information or pictures.
If you would like a placard created for your veteran or to donate to this project, reach out at 250-203-0585.
