Legion member Amy Encina is thrilled to participate in the “Pilgrimage of Remembrance” in Europe this summer.
An Oliver woman is honoured to represent the Royal Canadian Legion in a two-week “Pilgrimage of Remembrance” tour in Europe this summer.
Amy Encina, a new member of the Oliver Legion, will tour war memorials and battlefields in France, Belgium and the Netherlands in July.
“For me this pilgrimage tour is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices our men have paid to offer others a life away from the clutches of fear,” Encinca said.
Each branch in the Royal Canadian Legion’s BC/Yukon Command is invited to select one person to participate in the pilgrimage. This person must be a legion member and be active as a leader of youth in the community.
Encina, an officer in the 232 Bighorn Air Cadet squadron, said it has been a great honour and privilege to work alongside veteran legion members such as Chris Yerburgh and Brian Lobb, men who have fought on behalf of Canada for the freedom of others. She noted these men guided her along in her work as an officer of youth in the Air Cadets.
Encina also mentioned legion members Blaine and Kate Krist, and Ron Worth, who were instrumental in her being selected for the pilgrimage tour.
Encina is looking forward to exploring museums and touring the locations where soldiers fought in the First and Second World Wars.
“To experience and walk the path in which many of our heroes have laid down their lives for the freedom of others brings a humbleness to my heart and a yearning to remember and value the sacrifices that were made,” she told the Chronicle.
Many people take their freedom for granted, but Encina doesn’t.
She thinks about a friend who has completed three tours in Afghanistan.
“Some of his stories are so heartbreaking, others brought a tear to my eye in knowing that soldiers were able to reach out and touch the lives of children, mothers and fathers, soldiers who were able to offer hope in a culture where fear is rampant.”
Encina said soldiers of late have been a beacon of light to many people who live their lives in fear. “Mothers who fear for their young sons to be forced to join the militia. Fathers, yearning to protect their families. Our soldiers have made a difference.”
Upon returning from the tour, Encina will share a her presentation with different youth organizations and schools in the Okanagan Valley.
