Every year at Remembrance Day it’s customary for newspapers to interview a local veteran to help the community to “remember” the service by men and women in the Canadian Forces during war and peace.

These days there are fewer and fewer veterans around who remember the Second World War. Those who are still alive are often too frail to endure an interview.

This year we were fortunate to be able to speak with Jack Shaw, who not only served Canada and the United Kingdom by flying with the British Royal Airforce (RAF), but also went on to serve Osoyoos as mayor in the 1970s. Jack Shaw Gardens in Osoyoos is named after him.

Shaw remains very sharp. He also continues to be very independent, living in his own home despite being just shy of 90.

Many veterans are too modest to talk about their accomplishments and for some the memories of war dredge up old wounds. Some have even kept their memories to themselves, believing that those who have not seen war wouldn’t understand.

Fortunately, the Royal Canadian Legion has been encouraging veterans to get out into the community to tell their stories. Their messages deserve to be heard.

Through their stories, veterans help to keep the history alive and to instill upon new generations the seriousness of war.

The decision to go to war is never an easy one. In wars past, there has sometimes been an initial excitement and a sense that a war can be easily won. Only as weeks extend into months and then into years with rising casualties does the reality of war sink in.

We need our veterans to remind us of how it was, both the goods and the bads.

This year’s Remembrance Day is especially significant. It follows by a few weeks the tragic killings of two servicemen by extremists who may or may not have direct ties with radical Islamists in the Middle East.

Millions of Canadian felt touched by these tragedies and many chose to wear poppies ahead of the normal start of the poppy campaign, something the Legion has sanctioned.

As Canada once again incrementally inches towards an expanded military presence in the Middle East, it is more essential than ever to remember our history.

War can never be taken lightly. Our veterans, through their memories, help us to keep it in perspective.