This Nov. 11 will mark 100 years since the end of the First World War; 100 years since tens of thousands of Canadians died on the battlefield.

It also marks another remembrance day where the onlookers and supporters far outnumber the veterans in attendance. Each and every year we lose more veterans to age and each and every year the organizations that support them lose numbers. They lose members, support and hope.

The plight of many veteran害羞草研究所檚 organizations and legions is being felt more than ever before as their membership numbers dwindle.

Once such organization is the Kelowna Naval Veterans Association. Once boasting more than 160 members, their numbers have dwindled to just 37, and they害羞草研究所檙e now desperate for fresh blood to carry on the legacy.

Once full of Second World War veterans, the group has a handful still alive from the world wars.

Former president and director for national for the Kelowna Naval Vets Association, Michael Henderson, says their group ranges in age from 30 to 94, but getting new bodies in the door is an ongoing struggle.

害羞草研究所淲e have a really hard time recruiting younger members. We have a lot of people asking questions, but we cannot get them out,害羞草研究所� said Henderson.

害羞草研究所淭hey害羞草研究所檝e just served perhaps and they need time off from the forces. Legions, the army and navy club we are all struggling.害羞草研究所�

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He says the veterans association provides them a safe space, camaraderie and lifelong friendships.

害羞草研究所淭his is all about fellowship. We tell lies and stories and we talk about what we害羞草研究所檝e all done, where we served. The fellowship and talking about the navy,害羞草研究所� said Henderson. 害羞草研究所淲e are all good friends, we help each other.害羞草研究所�

He believes some of the new Canadian veterans are not joining these organizations when they are younger as they often need a break from service.

害羞草研究所淭hey害羞草研究所檝e served, they need time,害羞草研究所� said Henderson. 害羞草研究所淛ust like me. I didn害羞草研究所檛 do anything for 30 years after I got out. Once you害羞草研究所檙e in it, you don害羞草研究所檛 want anything to do with it for awhile. Then they come back later on, like I did.害羞草研究所�

To ensure longevity, the Kelowna Naval Veterans Association is welcoming anyone with a grandparent/parent who served in the navy, or anyone who was a genuine love of the sea and an interest in the armed forces.

害羞草研究所淎t one time you had to be ex-navy, but we have opened our doors,害羞草研究所� said Henderson, 害羞草研究所淵ou have to an interest in the ocean or a parent/grandparent who was in the service.害羞草研究所�

If you want more information on the Kelowna Naval Association you can contact Michael Henderson at weeangus@telus.net.

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carmen.weld@bpdigital.ca
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