‘Sometimes you’re going to have to be courageous.’ One WWII veteran’s reflection

PORTERS LAKE, NS – Rowland Marshall was one of only two World War II veterans to take part in the Remembrance Day ceremony in Porters Lake on Wednesday.

The 88-year-old joined the Royal Canadian Navy when he was only 16-years-old. He served from 1944 to 1992, providing 48 years of service to his country.

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“Unfortunately, through a whole succession of wars, we’ve always been able to find Canadians who are willing to fight.”

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While Marshall was in the Navy, he met and married his wife. The pair were together for nearly 60-years before she recently passed away.

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Marshall says he gained a lot from his time in the Navy, skills that transitioned into civilian life.

“When you’re in any of the Forces, you learn comradeship and kind of loyalty. Not only to your Force but the people you’re working with,” he said.

Marshall says every Canadian who has been a member of the Forces likely has a friend or family member that served with who did not return home.

“It’s a good kind of honour to remember those who didn’t come back and in the case of more recent years, like Afghanistan, we can not only remember those that didn’t come back but we can kind of be aware of the men and women who are still suffering from their engagement in war,” Marshall told Global News.

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This year, Marshall had the distinct honour of laying a wreath at the Remembrance Day services in Porters Lake. He says he is still proud to this day when he puts on his suit and his medals. He knew from a young age he wanted to serve his country.

“My father was in World War I and I was determined from 1939 onwards to somehow get in the Forces.”

Thousands of people came out to see Marshall and other veterans at the service and thank them for all they have done.

He says every year the crowds get bigger, and he believes that the younger generation of Canadians really do understand the sacrifice that so many people gave to allow them to live free.