While older Canadians say if given the chance they'd have signed up to serve in the Second World War, younger adults aren't so sure, a new survey shows.
The Historica-Dominion Institute survey looked at Canadians' attitudes about veterans.
It found 72% of older Canadians would serve if it were 1939 and they were 20 years old. Most middle-aged Canadians (59%) also said they'd sign up, but just 40% of adults under the age of 35 say they'd join the fight.
"(Older and middle-aged adults) would have done so knowing everything that they have seen, heard and learned about the Second World War, including the high number of injuries and casualities among Canadian troops, as well as their ultimate victory over the Axis Powers," the study says.
The fact fewer younger adults respondent yes to the questions suggests "younger Canadians feel differently about the war than older Canadians."
Ipsos Reid conducted the online survey of 1,025 adults between April 27 and 30. The Historica-Dominion Institute commissioned the survey. The institute is mandated to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. The survey has an estimated margin of error of 3.1 percentage points 19 times out of 20.
It comes days before the country prepares to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Victory in Europe -- or VE Day -- on Saturday. When asked what important event happened on May 8, 50% of Canadians knew it was VE Day. The survey found all ages have a great respect for those who have served, although the results continue to show a difference between old and young.
When asked if men and women who served in the Second World War deserve to be called the Greatest Generation, 84% of older Canadians said yes, 79% of middle-aged Canadians agreed, but just 66% of younger Canadians said this should be the case.
If Canada had not joined the war, 82% of older Canadians said they would feel ashamed, while 62% of younger Canadians said they'd feel guilty if Canada had not participated.
Compared to other countries, 70% of adults 55 and older, and 65% of adults between 35 to 54 think Canada doesn't do enough to honour its veterans, while 49% of adults between 18 and 34 think that's the case.
