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HAY RIVER
With the last world war more than 60 years past, fewer and fewer Canadian veterans remain to remind us of the horrors of battle.

However, modern-day conflicts such as Afghanistan are changing the faces of veterans and Hay River's Amber Comeau is part of that evolving younger image.

The 35-year-old is a stark contrast to the white-haired men and women in uniform who have headed Remembrance Day services in the past.

"Growing up I always thought a veteran as someone older," said Comeau. "That has changed. Kids growing up now will know vets in their 20s and 30s. For me as a child, we always remembered World War One and World War Two vets. Nowadays we have people going to Bosnia or Afghanistan. These people are my age or younger, so the word 'vet' has changed over the years."

Stationed in Edmonton, she returned to her hometown to take part in the Remembrance Day service. It was her first service since returning from Afghanistan this year.

It was also her first service with her five-year-old daughter alongside her father - also a veteran - and her first in Hay River since joining the Canadian Forces 13 years ago.

Now a sergeant, Comeau served her tour in Afghanistan behind the wire as a resource management support clerk. Her duties kept her out of the lines of fire but she heard the stories of life in the combat zone from her comrades.

"I know for me it was a sigh of relief when I knew we had no more troops on the front lines," said Comeau. "I stayed in the confines of camp, so didn't get to see anything outside. I worked with a helicopter squadron - they're the ones who got to see everything. They got to see Kandahar, helped support the troops on the frontlines, so I only heard their stories. My experience in Afghanistan was completely different than those over the wire. I was safe where I was."

Though her role in Afghanistan was non-combat, she's still in the midst of digesting her experience and returning to the routine of her western life.

"There were deaths and there were injuries, and you can't help but be sad and upset, but you take that risk, everybody does," said Comeau. "When you are overseas, life is different and you take each day as it comes. You're going to have days when you're scared and when you miss your family, when you feel more like an outsider. You go through a lot of emotion, but you know that risk

when you leave Canada."

The events of her recent tour of duty are fragments she's still trying to assimilate, but she said her experiences are a piece of the puzzle in the changing view of veterans.

The Royal Canadian Legions in the North hold an essay and poster competition every year in conjunction with the service. District 7 Commander Tracy Cross Gauthier said Hay River has a large network of Legion volunteers to assist with the services. Comeau hopes to see involvement by the younger generation when returning home.

"I remember going to Remembrance Day services at (Princess Alexandra School) and the gym was packed," said Comeau. "I don't know what it's like now but for me it's always been an important day. I want my daughter to understand the importance of the day. She's going to know - at five - that there are people that didn't come home from Afghanistan. I hope that schools stress the importance of the day."

While the faces of veterans may be constantly changing and traditions might have to adapt, Cross Gauthier said the spirit must remain consistent.

"We are very mindful that this event is organized to honour veterans and promote remembrance - this must always be the focus," she said.

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