Serving their country runs deep in Mike and Nadine Dalton's blood.
The couple, both 32-years-old, are members of the Canadian Forces air force.
They both served in Kandahar, with Mike, originally from P.E.I., stationed at the air field for six months in 2006 and another two months last summer.
Originally from Quebec, Nadine now works with the Victim's Unit. She has also spent time in Kandahar but most recently, as a member of the Military Police, provided in-flight protection for heads of state, the prime minister, governor general and royalty.
Both have seen "the bad places, and the good places," said Nadine.
Now based in CFB Petawawa, ON., and vacationing in P.E.I. until the end of the month, they know the joy of returning from overseas.
"It's good to be home," said Mike, who will be leaving again for Kandahar shortly after returning to Petawawa. "It makes you realize what a great country we have."
The two were part of a group of about 100 others, including veterans, family, friends and the general public, who gathered Sunday at Connaught Square to celebrate the return of Afghanistan veterans and to remember those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Nadine said she was happy to speak to members of the public, after seeing how mainstream media often focuses on negative aspects of the war.
She said there is also a lot of good being done and that Canadian troops have given many Afghanis a feeling of safety.
With her and Mike expecting a baby boy in November, Nadine also knows the struggles of having to leave family for months, possibly even years at a time, while being a member of the Canadian Forces.
"It's a big sacrifice (to serve with the Canadian Forces)," she said.
"It's nice to see people come out to support the military," added Mike.
The event was held by the Charlottetown Legion and the city, and included a barbecue, music, moment of silence and speeches by legion president John Yeo and Veterans Affairs Canada deputy minister Suzanne Tining expressing appreciation to veterans.
Tining, representing VAC minister Steven Blaney, said it's always a pleasure to welcome home and celebrate those who have served overseas.
"And for me to see what it means to Canadians to remember those who didn't make it home," she added.
Mike's father, George Dalton was also at the event. Dalton served for 29 years in the air force and another 10 working in mental health intervention programs for soldiers and veterans.
Dalton knows the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers. Apart from Mike and Nadine, he also has a son and son-in-law who are serving.
Dalton, of the Summerside Legion's Lest We Forget committee, wants to see all members of the Canadian Forces honoured. He had a commemorative brick for one of his family members on hand, which will be placed along the Walk of Honour in the Air Force Heritage Park in Slemon Park, which will open this coming weekend.
Dalton said they bricks are not exclusive to those who served in the air force but are for all veterans and even civilians who did their part working at different bases.
"We're all entitled to a brick. They're for all veterans and especially for Afghanistan veterans," said Dalton. "It's to thank the troops for what they've done for us. Thank you."
