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LETTER: ‘Veterans lost their lives in devoted service to their country and nation’

Re: ‘Banners to commemorate veterans who gave their lives’ ( PQB News , Oct. 13)
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Commemorative banners to honour veterans who served in the First and Second World Wars will be displayed in Parksville through November. (Submitted photo)

Re: ‘Banners to commemorate veterans who gave their lives’ (PQB News, Oct. 13)

In recognition of Remembrance Day, we often hear or read the phrase “they gave their lives.”

That phrase has bothered me for many years.

After having been drafted into the military in 1966 and having served the required 18 months, I have found that with only two exceptions, no soldier, airman or sailor gives away his life.

The large majority of those who died were the victim of either enemy or friendly action.

The two exceptions are to lay down one’s body to shield comrades from immediate danger and secondly by committing suicide to prevent revealing classified information to the enemy. Therefore, a more appropriate phrase is “they lost their lives in devoted service to their country and nation.”

Anthonie den Boef

Nanoose Bay

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