With Remembrance Day right around the corner, the Royal Candian Legion Branch 56 has had its flag raised at Market Square. 

Taking place earlier today at 11:00 a.m., the flag was raised by Swift Current Mayor, Al Bridal, and Local Legion Branch 56 Member, Robert John Watson. 

Watson is a WWII veteran, having served in 1944 when he was just 18 years old. For him, Remembrance Day is an important holiday that he observes to remember those he served with. As he has aged, he has come to focus on the good times they had in the middle of the largest conflict in human history. 

Watson and Bridal raising the flag together. Watson and Bridal raising the flag together. 

"I remember the good times more because we were young," said Watson. "If you get a bunch of 18, 19, or 20-year-olds together, you're going to have some fun regardless of whether the shells are going off."

Watson, who turns 98 in two weeks, joined the Royal Regina Rifles and served in the European theatre. The young men that he served alongside are gone now, but not forgotten by Watson. 

"I don't think there's a day goes by that I don't think about somebody or something," said Watson. "It's just one of those things."

This Remembrance Day, he hopes people can take the time to observe the holiday. He encourages folks to learn about veterans and the conflicts they served in. 

"I would hope that they would be able to take one day out of the year to remember and honour the. Fallen soldiers and you know, they did the ultimate service," said Watson. "I think that [Rememberance Day] is a lot more important than a lot of these holidays, but that's because I'm an old timer." 

 

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