For Kyle Shewfelt, 2004 was a year of important firsts, both personally and on the world stage.

At the Summer Olympics in Athens, he captured Canada's first and only Olympic medal in artistic gymnastics, picking up gold in the floor exercise. A few months later, the Calgary-born gymnast, who has also earned medals at the world championships and Commonwealth Games, bought his first home.

With every passing year, the events of the First and Second World Wars become ever more distant parts of our country's history. Remembrance requires work, and any excuse to think about or discuss these conflicts and the sacrifices of Canadian veterans helps keep their memories alive.

In this context, three southwest Calgary neighbourhoods that wear their military history on their sleeve are especially significant.