LETHBRIDGE – Mary Insley is a member of the Lethbridge legion and has been taking part in Remembrance Day ceremonies for as long as she can remember. The veteran she holds closest to her heart is her late husband Vladener Rollack.
He joined the Regina Rifles before transferring to CFB Suffield near Medicine Hat.
“He joined for the experiments there. I don’t think he really knew what the experiments were, but at the end it was for mustard gas,” said Insley.
Vladener Rollack died at the age of 42 of a heart attack. Insley was given a medal of honour for her husband and the sacrifice he made while serving at CFB Suffueld, something she cherishes.
“When I (die), this medal cannot go on to no one else – it’s just mine.”
Insley isn’t the only member of her family who honours her husband’s sacrifice. Her late son, her daughter and her granddaughter also joined the legion. Now, three generations march to remember.
“It’s something I get to do with her every year, it is very enjoyable,” said Tracy Rollack, Insley’s granddaughter. “Military runs in the family so I think of both sets of my grandparents at this time of year.”
Rollack joined the legion when she was 18-years-old, following in her grandmothers footsteps.
“It means a lot, it really does,” added Insley.
Nov. 11 not only recognizes the man her family lost, but the love they all have for their country and the men and women who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.
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