Canadians across the country will be honouring their soldiers on Nov. 11 with a number of events in the Greater Trail Area.

The date is recognized as a moment to remember soldiers from wars 100 years ago, but as Canada is still involved in combat situations the day is still as important as ever.

Since 2002, 129 Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan serving a cause they believe to be just for their families and country.

“We need to consider in this generation without the soldiers of today and the past, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the freedoms we have today,” said one of Trail’s local soldiers, Sharman Thomas of the 44 Engineer Squadron, 39 Combat Unit.

“It’s just as important as it has ever been.”

Remembrance day will be celebrated all over the Greater Trail Area with events in Fruitvale, Rossland and the City of Trail.

Fruitvale will be holding their ceremonies at the cenotaph located on the eastern side of the village beside Hwy. 3B, with the ceremonies starting at 10:45 a.m.

Trail will be holding a few events commemorating soldiers including a surprise unveiling of a new statue in downtown Trail.

Nov. 10 will mark the Veterans’ Day dinner at the Trail #11 Legion with legion members, guests and veterans celebrating the honour of being a Canadian soldier.

On Nov. 11 the parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. rolling throughout downtown Trail and finishing at the Cenotaph at 11:30.

The newest historic statue to hit Trail will be unveiled before the ceremonies.

The day will wind down with entertainment and beverages at Trail’s legion.

“It’s important to always remember these soldiers have died for us,” said Joyce McDonald with the Trail Legion.

“It’s terrible we have to be in a war, but we need to support out soldiers and I think it’s important that kids know this, too.”

Rossland will be marking the day with a public church service at the Rossland #14 Legion at 10 a.m. followed by a parade down Columbia Ave. with veterans, legion members and public supporters leading the way.

Weather permitting the ceremonies should start at the Rossland Cenotaph located beside the library at around 10:45 a.m.

Wreaths will be laid, poems will be read and the service will wind down with an open house at the Rossland Legion.

Refreshments, entertainment, music, dancing and celebration of the sacrifices many Canadian men have committed in the name of their country.

“The day gives us an opportunity to give thanks to our fallen comrades,” said Douglas Halladay, president of Rossland’s Legion.

“We still have people in combat roles today and they are responsible for looking after our freedom.”