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Vancouver Island Veteran Reflects on Importance of Remembrance Day

At 20, Joan Gould joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in April 1955, seeking travel opportunities beyond her secretarial role in Thunder Bay, Ont. "I wanted to see the world," Gould said.
Following eight weeks of physical training in St. Jean, Que, Gould was transferred to Trenton, Ont, for a six-week military administration course. She served three years as a clerk-stenographer before eventually being posted overseas to Baden-Baden, Germany.
While serving, Gould married an airman and the couple lived in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Edmonton. After leaving the military, they eventually settled in Parksville, where Gould resumed work in the private sector.
Gould became involved with the Parksville Royal Canadian Legion Branch, where she has been a member for approximately 45 years. Though no longer active daily, she occasionally visits to catch up with friends.
At 90, Gould continues attending Parksville's annual Remembrance Day ceremony, considering it essential to honour those who served. She said "I am a little too old now, so its time for the younger people to take over and do things.

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