By Sean Meyer/London Community News

At 96 years old there are some memories of war that may have faded somewhat from Arthur Boyle’s mind. In fact, there are other memories he chooses not to mention at all.

But despite those challenges, Boyle, a member of London’s own 1^st Hussars Regiment, joined other veterans in speaking with children from Eagle Heights Public School, on Thursday, during a special Remembrance Day service at Cherryhill Village Mall. The service, conducted by the London branch of the Royal Canadian Regiment Association (RCRA), was held for both the students and members of the Cherryhill Apartments Ltd.

Between RCRA members and those from other organizations, over 60 veterans came out to take part in the service.

For Arthur, having the children be part of the service was particularly important.

“I think this is a good idea. Maybe teach them a little bit about what went on,” Boyle said. “We are going to talk to the kids, you can’t tell them too much. They will ask a question and I will give a simple answer, as best I can.”

Emily, 11, was one of the children talking with the veterans prior to the service. A Grade 5 student at Eagle Heights, Emily said it is important for young people to know what was sacrificed for them to enjoy the lives they lead today.

“I am here to talk to the veterans about the Second World War. It is important to know what happened in that time,” Emily said. “I think it is important because when the world was at war, everyone was fighting. Now Canada is a free country because of what they did and I think that’s important.”

Jacob, 11, a Grade 6 student at Eagle Heights, said he was also looking forward to talking with the veterans and asking some questions.

“I think it is very interesting, everything they went through,” Jacob said. “I want to know what it was like. What they did when they weren’t fighting. How they lived every day.”

Emily also said she was interested in what their lives were like during those days on the battlefield. “How did they survive, what was it like. I want to know how they felt.”

Being just 11 years old, it is understandably difficult for Emily to fully understand what it was like to live and fight on those far away battlefields, but for Arthur, drawing on those memories is difficult as well.

“I don’t really enjoy it (sharing his memories of the Second World War) too much. It is difficult. It brings up a lot of memories,” Arthur said. “I had half my friends killed over there, a lot of my best friends are gone. I want to remember those people though and I want the kids to know about what we did.”

Chic Warden, sergeant at arms, and a member of the RCRA, said the event, which took place at the mall’s food court, plays an important role for the seniors of the Cherryhill area who may not be able to make it out services on Nov. 11.

Nor surprisingly, Warden said having the students take part in the service is quite meaningful.

“It is very important. They are what this is all about. We want them to learn and never forget,” Warden said. “I think, when they look at us, they look at the medals, where you have been, what you have done. That will stick. But the nitty-gritty of it they won’t remember. But they do remember talking to a veteran and that’s important.”