At the age of 18, my grandfather, Lewis (Lew) Osborne, began his service with the South Saskatchewan Regiment.
He saw action in many battles: Falaise, Antwerp, Scheldt, Hochwald and the Rhine. He also served occupation duties following the end of hostilities, and was stationed in Mook and Appledorn, Holland.
It was there that he gave up his rations to a young boy and his family to help them through the hard times and extreme food shortages. The family, the Van Eltons, never forgot his kindness, and throughout the years kept in touch with many cards, letters, and many years later, visits to see him.
He was always a family man. He and my Gramma raised four daughters, settled in British Columbia and went on to live a happy and successful life surrounded by his large extended family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Later, they came to love the Cariboo and visited frequently, making many friends here along the way. People were drawn to his openness and easy-going nature, his kindness and sense of humour.
On Remembrance Day, he was different. He was quiet, more somber, and far from his usual self.
It was his day, and we all called or visited him depending on where we were, asking how the march was, as he always marched – shoulders back and head high, a proud veteran and a proud Canadian.
We also said to him, “thank you.” Just “thank you” because those two words cover so many things we owe to our veterans and what we have to be thankful for.
