Canim Lake Band members cherish their freedom today, and honour the memory of all their veterans and all they stood for.
Morris Dixon
Morris Dixon left his home at Lac la Hache for training in January 1941.
When he was through his training, he was enlisted in the Canadian Army as a gunner. He was sent overseas to Europe going wherever he was posted.
In 1943, he ended up in Sicily where eventually he was taken prisoner. He was a prisoner of war for 18 months in the prison camps, remaining there until the end of the war.
Edward Dixon Sr.
Edward Dixon Sr. received his consignment papers in the mail and travelled to Vernon in February 1941 to begin his training for the Army.
His training also took him to Esquimalt and to Otter Point on Vancouver Island.
He managed to pass the requirements for the artillery, and was enlisted as a gunner in the Canadian Army.
Peter Christopher
Peter Christopher served his country in two World Wars – the first in 1914-1918, and the second, 1939-1945.
In the First World War, he was in active duty in the infantry, and in the Second World War, he was in the Army Reserves and was based in northern England.
Sam Archie
Sam Archie attended and completed his training at the Vernon Camp. He was skilful at riding a motorcycle, and he used this to deliver messages to the front lines.
It was said that while doing these dangerous tasks, he never used the same route twice – either in getting to the destination, or in returning.
Henry Bob
Henry Bob served in the Army and had learned engineering skills.
He helped to build bridges for the Army convoy that had to cross waterways on its way to the front lines. The bridges were important for the delivery of artillery supplies and equipment, for food, and for use by the Red Cross.
It has been said that Henry, at times, walked ahead of those at the front line checking for land mines.
Julian Boyce
Julian Boyce served his country on two occasions – in the First World War, in active duty, and in the Second World War, in Army Reserves back east.
He received medals and was recognized for his courage and his bravery.
Louie Emile
Louie Emile was a veteran of both World Wars.
He broke his leg while at war, perhaps the Second World War. He had difficulty with that injury after that.
We remember Louie for his bravery and his willingness to serve his country and his people.
Paul Theodore
Paul Theodore attended and completed his training at the Vernon Camp.
In Second World War, he served in the Division Tankers. He talked a lot of the war, where he went, what he did, what he had to sleep in, eat in and walked in.
