I am a 23-year-old, fourth-year history student at the University of Ottawa. Last week, in line for a new bus pass at the OC Transpo headquarters in the Rideau Mall, I saw an older gentleman in line with war medals attached to his coat. Being a student of history, I quickly recognized the participation medal for the Second World War. I walked over to him, shook his hand, and thanked him for my freedom. What followed is a story I will never forget.
This gentleman was 15 years old when he decided to enlist for the war under his brother’s name. His brother had been recently married, and he did not want to separate his brother from his newly wedded wife. At 15, he took his brother’s place, and was sent overseas.
Hearing about this selfless act, and watching this gentleman count his change to purchase his bus pass for the month, left me feeling sadness and a bit of anger.
I believe veterans should ride the bus for free every day of the year. Chicago and Miami have free-ride transit programs for veterans. I believe Ottawa, our nation’s capital, needs to pave the way for change in our own country. We are free because of the sacrifice of our veterans, and I think this is one way to show them that we are thankful for what they have done, and that we remember.
Sara Lauzon, Ottawa
