As persons of colour, we should particular be thankful for the sacrifices young women and men made during the wars, for our liberty and freedom.

I was fortunate to become friends with Canadian veterans, including some who were injured during the second world war.  Another was extremely helpful during my early years in Canada, without whose personal intervention and assistance, my life would have been very different. The late Mr. John Duke was my chief wireless radio college instructor and the radio officer onboard the RCMP St. Roch, a ship that patrolled Canada's arctic during the second world war.  The St. Roch is presently housed in a building  at the Vancouver Maritime museum.

Myself being a radio officer at sea during a time of peace, I often think what would I do if suddenly my ship was torpedoed, that happened frequently in the merchant navy during the war, where many died. But others did not stop doing the same, so supplies can get to the troops.

Its emotional thinking of these women and men for the sacrifice they made and their personal intervention and assistance in my life.  A day has not gone by, without appreciating their unselfish efforts.