The people of Sointula have never backed down from a challenge, whether it be in war or peace.
This year a special temporary exhibition will be held at the town museum to honour townspeople who served in the wars.
The exhibit was organized by Sue Ness, chair of the Sointula Museum Committee.
This marks the second year of Sointula’s special Remembrance Day exhibition.
The first exhibit happened last year and was organized by encouraging local residents to contribute family war memorabilia for the temporary, one-day exhibit.
“We got quite a good response,” said Ness, who said 90 individuals made a donation, an impressive turnout considering the town’s small size and the short notice given.
It’s unknown exactly how many from the island community lost their lives in all the wars.
Last year’s exhibit focused mainly on the Second World War, including some items from the Winter War, a little known episode of the war fought between Finland and the Soviet Union from 1939 to 1940.
Sointula was founded by Finnish colonists, and many of their descendants live there still.
While it’s unknown how many Sointulians lost their lives in the wars, their bravery and resilience is an example of the virtue the Finns call “sisu,” which roughly translates as “spirit,” according to the Sointula Resource Centre Society website.
This year’s display will incorporate last year’s donations in addition to new contributions.
If you live in the Sointula area and wish to donate to this year’s exhibition, call Sue Ness at 250-973-2316.
The exhibition will be held on Remembrance Day from 1-4 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
Anyone and everyone is invited to attend.