I have never known of a man who has inspired me and so many other people so much. My grandfather, Harry Bud Caldwell, was the most influential person in my life, he taught me respect, honour and mannerism.
Every November 11 since I was born, I have attended Remembrance Day in honour of my grandfather and the sacrifices he and many more made to give us freedom in Canada and the rest of the world. Not only do I respect him so much for being a Second World War veteran, but also because he was just such a well rounded person. He brought my family together every Remembrance Day, Christmas, and to other events like Relay For Life.
My grandfather was one of the most charismatic and outgoing people around; everyone respected him. If he was having a bad day, he wouldn’t bring anybody else into it as he had shown to be happy all the time. Everyone says he had a smile and laugh that would light up the room no matter what the situation, and I couldn’t agree more.
Quite often I will be stopped on the street and have people speak about how great my grandpa was and how much everybody loved him because of the positive impact he made on them. It really touches my heart and makes me swell up a tear in happiness about the guy that my grandpa was. He was a one of a kind.
I really believe that he lived his life in such a positive way because of the brutality he experienced in the war. He cared about people, cherished life, and really knew how to love. His characteristics were common of that generation.
I only got to live a short 13 years with my grandfather Harry Bud Caldwell. I wish I could have been able to spend a longer time with him. Today I am 16-years-old and I will graduate in a year and a half. If I was granted one wish, it would have been for my grandpa to be able to make it to my graduation. I will never forget my grandpa and the legacy that he left with our family. I hope that everyone who reads this article comes to Remembrance Day and wears a poppy on November 11 to honour my grandpa and the soldiers who fought to give us freedom.
Joel Sawley, Kimberley

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