Sooke Legion President Reflects on Remembrance Day Significance

On November 11, communities across Canada will gather to commemorate Remembrance Day, a significant occasion that extends beyond the traditional symbols of poppies and wreaths. Arthur Davies, president of the Sooke Legion, emphasizes the day’s importance in recognizing the contributions of veterans to the country’s freedoms and rights. “What it says for me is how I appreciate the here and now and the country that we live in,” Davies stated.

Davies has a profound connection to the military, having joined the army in 1966 shortly after graduating from high school in Fort William, Ontario. At just 18 years old, he became involved in the Cold War, stationed on the Rhine River in Germany alongside British soldiers. There, he was part of a unit tasked with deterring a potential Soviet invasion. “We trained at least three months a year on exercises, being ready to deploy quickly,” he recalled.

After three years in Europe, Davies moved to the Work Point Barracks in Victoria, British Columbia. His career took him to Cyprus as a United Nations peacekeeper, where he was responsible for monitoring tensions between Turkish and Greek forces. “You’re there to report on it or to be a deterrent between the two of them,” he explained. Later, he found himself in Norway, stationed 100 miles above the Arctic Circle, again preparing for rapid deployment in case of a Soviet attack.

In 1974, after a decade with the military, Davies transitioned to a civilian role at the Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot in Victoria. He spent the following 40 years managing and monitoring the storage of bullets, ordnance, missiles, and torpedoes. “I just wanted to do something more technical and get a trade,” he said, reflecting on his decision to leave active service.

Davies’ journey has culminated in a fulfilling life in Sooke, where he has raised a family and contributed to the community. He believes that Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans throughout history. “A lot of people misconstrue what we’re doing…to glorify war, but Remembrance Day is to remember the sacrifice of the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War,” he stated.

To honour these sacrifices, the public is invited to participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony in Sooke. The event will commence at 10:30 a.m. at Evergreen Plaza, followed by a march to the cenotaph for a formal ceremony at 10:50 a.m.. Afterward, attendees are welcome at the Sooke Legion, where refreshments such as chili, chowder, and hot chocolate will be served.

Founded in 1926, the Sooke Legion has a rich history of supporting veterans and the local community. As it approaches its 100th anniversary next year, the significance of Remembrance Day resonates deeply within its walls, reminding all of the brave individuals who have shaped the nation.