The Battle of Britain, the Second World War military campaign known for being the first fought solely by air forces, continues to be commemorated year after year.
Seventy-seven years have passed since the battle took place, but its memory has yet to fade thanks to annual ceremonies honouring the important milestone in the war.
“I think it’s very important to remember those that have gone,” said Bill Barrett, a WWII veteran who attended a Battle of Britain memorial ceremony at the Fredericton Cenotaph on Sunday afternoon. “We had fellas in our squadron, they went on their first trip and they didn’t come back.”
For Barrett and veterans like him, seeing people line up to pay their respects means a great deal.
He believes ceremonies like the one held Sunday help ensure the meaning of war isn’t lost on the next generation.
“If you can’t remember the past, then you’ll never get through the future,” Barrett said.
Beverley Russell served overseas during the war as well.
Now in his 90s, he says he fills with pride when he sees crowds of young and old paying tribute to fallen soldiers.
“It makes you feel good, you know,” he said. “People are thinking of their long-lost relatives.”