Across the country Saturday, people gathered to draw attention to homeless and in-crisis veterans.
About 20 people gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fredericton, including veterans, politicians, and members of the public.
The group set out on a walk in support of Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada. It was the first so-called Tour of Duty event.
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Some estimates suggest the number of homeless vets in Canada is more than 2,000.
VETS Canada says there are a lot of veterans in need of assistance.
“It’s case-by-case. Whether it’s someone that just needs a quick hand up because they’re just going through a difficult situation or someone really is homeless and we have to take a little more time,” said JJ Chiasson, a member of VETS Canada’s New Brunswick Chapter.
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The group included retired army veterans who can understand how their peers can find themselves in difficult situations.
“It’s tough when you see stuff of course,” veteran Trevor Hamilton said. “PTSD is a real thing.”
Liri Henderson is a veteran of the Israeli army. She has suffered from PTSD since a terrorist attack in her city when she was just nine years old.
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She says she lives with it every day, but it’s also given her greater empathy.
“I connect with them, I understand them, and I 100 per cent support them and I’ll support them wherever they go,” she said.
Anyone who comes across a veteran in need or wants to volunteer is asked to contact VETS Canada.
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