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鈥檚 organizations and legions is being felt more than ever before as their membership numbers dwindle.

Once such organization is the 91大黄鸭 Naval Veterans Association. Once boasting more than 160 members, their numbers have dwindled to just 37, and they鈥檙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 91大黄鸭 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.

鈥淲e have a really hard time recruiting younger members. We have a lot of people asking questions, but we cannot get them out,鈥� said Henderson.

鈥淭hey鈥檝e just served perhaps and they need time off from the forces. Legions, the army and navy club we are all struggling.鈥�

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

鈥淭his is all about fellowship. We tell lies and stories and we talk about what we鈥檝e all done, where we served. The fellowship and talking about the navy,鈥� said Henderson. 鈥淲e are all good friends, we help each other.鈥�

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.

鈥淭hey鈥檝e served, they need time,鈥� said Henderson. 鈥淛ust like me. I didn鈥檛 do anything for 30 years after I got out. Once you鈥檙e in it, you don鈥檛 want anything to do with it for awhile. Then they come back later on, like I did.鈥�

To ensure longevity, the 91大黄鸭 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.

鈥淎t one time you had to be ex-navy, but we have opened our doors,鈥� said Henderson, 鈥淵ou have to an interest in the ocean or a parent/grandparent who was in the service.鈥�

If you want more information on the 91大黄鸭 Naval Association you can contact Michael Henderson at weeangus@telus.net.

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carmen.weld@bpdigital.ca
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