Many Canadians will be celebrating their national pride on Canada Day for the country's 150th; especially those that fought for the red and white.

Retired Flight Lieutenant Jack Hilton of Airdrie is one of those Canadians, a Veteran who served in the Second World War has seen his fair share of conflicts, but in the end, he was always grateful to come home.

"It has it's warts and it's wrinkles but it's a great place to live...I think it's a great country. I fought for it and no one can take that away."

Hilton says when it comes to remembering the country's history, we should never take away the fact that people from across the world helped fight for and shape the country we have.

"The French are part of our life. So are all the other immigrants like the Ukranians who helped build this country, and the British and the Scots and the Irish, they all amalgamated into Canadians. It's a damn privilege to be one."

Last year, Hilton was named a Knight of the French Order of the Legion of Honour for his service and says Canada doesn't have a way to commemorate their war heroes. He says Canadians are quick to praise hockey players and musicians but there's little in the way of honouring those who fought years ago.

With the times always changing in Canada, and new laws being passed constantly, Hilton hopes that the country won't forget it's roots in the near future.

"We got to be careful we don't lose our heritage. We got a wonderful chance here to live a wonderful life."

Hilton released a book last fall called "The Saga Of A Canadian Typhoon Fighter Pilot", an autobiography of his journey through the highs and lows of his service.

 

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