The number of Port Alberni’s veterans of the First and Second World Wars, and campaigns such as the Korean or Vietnam wars, are dwindling.

When we see these veterans in uniform, be they members who saw battle, supported their brethren or entered areas of conflict on peacekeeping missions, we see the way they are today: navy blue blazers, chests full of medals, faces lined with character.

Freelance writer and photographer Sonja Drinkwater approached eight veterans of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 293 and asked them to share a photo from when they served with Canada’s military, as well as a description of their role.

She then took a photograph of the veterans in the summer of 2019, as they are now.

They all serve one or more roles with the Legion.