Delta Secondary Students Witness Unveiling of 2026 Veterans’ Week Poster

On Friday, October 16, students at Delta Secondary School had a unique opportunity to witness the unveiling of the 2026 Veterans’ Week poster by the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

This year’s poster features artwork by Chaelyn Han of Vancouver, British Columbia, the winner of The Royal Canadian Legion’s National Youth Remembrance Contest. Using vibrant colours and stylized figures, the artwork depicts soldiers supporting towering poppy stems, with children seated among the flowers. The image reflects how the service and sacrifice of Canada’s Veterans have helped build the safe and free country Canadians enjoy today.

Following the unveiling, students heard from Minister McKnight and Major Lynn Doucette (Retired), a Persian Gulf War Veteran and former member of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Together, they shared their perspectives on remembrance.

“Remembrance lives on when stories are shared from one generation to the next,” said Minister McKnight. “By learning about the service and sacrifices of Canada’s Veterans, young Canadians play an important role in ensuring their legacy endures. Chaelyn’s artwork is a powerful example of how youth across Canada are helping carry remembrance forward and honour those who served our country.”

Minister McKnight encouraged students to continue the conversation by sharing what they learned at the presentation with family and friends, speaking with veterans in their communities, and ensuring that the stories of service and sacrifice are not forgotten.

Students were interested to learn about Major Doucette’s remarkable 35-year military career. An Air Weapons Controller in the RCAF, she was a pioneer in her field, and one of the first women to serve in several leadership roles. During the Persian Gulf War, she served as a Mission Crew Commander aboard an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, helping coordinate air operations and providing critical information to pilots.

Reflecting on her military service, Major Doucette spoke about the strong sense of camaraderie and purpose she experienced throughout her career and highlighted the variety of employment opportunities available in the military.

“Most of us feel we were simply doing our job,” she told students. “But we all have stories to share, and it’s important that young people hear them.”

When asked about challenges she faced as a woman in the military, Major Doucette recalled occasions when cultural norms in other countries limited her participation in meetings. However, she noted that in Canada and the United States if you know your job and you’re good at it, you are respected for your skills and don’t get treated any differently.

Major Doucette also spoke candidly about the challenges of transitioning to civilian life following a medical retirement after a car accident.

“After 35 years in uniform, I experienced an identity crisis,” she explained. “I still wanted to contribute, but I didn’t know how.”

Through volunteer work in her Chilliwack community and involvement with her local Royal Canadian Legion branch, she has found new ways to serve and connect with others.

Students also learned about the role of Veteran Affairs Canada in supporting veterans and their families through benefits, services and programs that assist with the transition from military to civilian life. One fact that surprised many students was that the average age at which Canadian Armed Forces members leave the military is just 34 years old.

“Not every student gets to sit down and ask a veteran some questions,” said Sadie Johnston, Grade 11, one of two student emcees at the event. “This was a great opportunity for us to engage with a former soldier – it was fascinating to hear her experiences.”

“Veterans’ Week provides Canadians with an opportunity to pause, reflect and honour the service of current and former military members. The contributions of Canada’s veterans have helped shape the country we know today,” said Arijana Kapikul, Grade 11, student emcee. “This year, during Veterans’ Week (November 5-11), and on Indigenous Veterans’ Day (November 8) and Remembrance Day (November 11), we encourage everyone to ask a veteran to share their story. Let’s keep the conversation alive and make sure their service and sacrifices are not forgotten by future generations.”