They remember the war like it was yesterday.
Veterans are roaming the Canadian War Museum this week, discussing their vivid war memories of battle among visitors who examine displays at the LeBreton Flats museum in the days leading to this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations.
The museum is presenting a variety of family-friendly events and activities ahead of Nov. 11. Officials say their goal is to “help families remember and learn more about our country’s military history.”
Sandra Stockley, the museum’s program planner, urged Centretown residents and families to take part this weekend in what she describes as an enriching experience marking the 90th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
“Parents are often looking for ways to explain Remembrance Day to their kids, and it’s our role to cater to families and people of all ages to make history accessible to all audiences,” said Stockley.
Among the events taking place this weekend is a play on Friday night featuring a Theatre Calgary stage adaption of author Timothy Findley’s novel The Wars, as well as a wreath-making class in which visitors can each create a personalized poppy that will be attached to a wreath alongside poppies made by other museum visitors.
For children, the book A Bear in War will be unveiled on Saturday at 10 a.m. Kids can sit back and enjoy cookies and juice while the book’s two authors read aloud the true story of a stuffed bear sent to the front lines during the First World War by the daughter of a lieutenant who was killed at the battle of Passchendaele.
On Remembrance Day itself, museum admission is free for the variety of events that will take place, including a formal ceremony followed by two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.