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Honouring Our Troops.
Then. Now. Always.
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Bravery We of our Proudly soldiers Support Our VETERANS Kari Daniels is a virtual English 12 teacher at Central Programs and Services for School District 23. One of his students, Paloma Pendharkar, has written a poem about Remembrance Day which Daniels forwarded to the Capital News.
BRAVE This day is for the braver ones Understanding what they’ve done Not just guns Or battles won But major goals we all aim for The hope amidst the dismal war We hope there’ll be an open door These soldiers, they have picked the lock The path to peace no longer blocked With their help, we will achieve Peaceful possibilities Harmony, unity Until we no longer need War that makes our countries bleed.
Kelowna services planned Roads in downtown Kelowna and Rutland will be temporarily closed for Remembrance Day parades on Sunday, Nov. 11, between 10:15 a.m. and noon. The Royal Canadian Legion Parade downtown will mean the closure of: • Mill Street from Queensway Avenue to Bernard Avenue • Bernard Avenue from Water Street to Abbott Street See Kelowna V4
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Poppies both symbolic and a benefit to vets Alistair Waters ASSISTANT EDITOR
With Remembrance Day just around the corner, Royal Canadian Legion volunteers have spread out across Kelowna to distribute thousands of iconic poppies. The red and black lapel pins, worn in remembrance of those who have given their life in combat for our country, help raise money for the Royal Canadian Legion—money that is in turn used to support veterans. The annual poppy campaign—which runs through to Nov. 10, the day before Remembrance Day—is the legion’s only fundraiser, say organizers. According to local poppy fund chairman Ron LeRoy, this year there will be 840 poppy distribution locations across the city. And while there is no annual fund-raising goal, LeRoy said he would like to see more money raised this year than last year, when $141,000 was donated by the public. “The campaign is always very successful here,” said LeRoy. “I’ve been doing this for 18 years and every
year (the total amount raised) goes up.” This year’s campaign kicked off two weeks ago at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 26 hall with Mayor Walter Gray and local MP Ron Cannan each buying the first poppies for 2012. “This is an important annual event in our community,” said Gray, who is encouraging everyone to buy a poppy this year, not only as a sign of remembrance but also to help care for aging veterans. Some of the money raised is also donated by the Legion to help projects that benefit young people. Gray said he has noticed an increase in the number of children at annual Remembrance Day ceremonies in Kelowna, a sign he finds encouraging. Each year parents bring their children to not only to support grandparents who may have been in the service but also to help teach them about Canada’s past, he said. “It’s very important. It tells me the younger generation is aware and that will keep this all going,” said Gray. Cannan said while
ALISTAIR WATERS/CAPITAL NEWS
JOHN CASHIN, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26 in Kelowna, pins a poppy on the lapel of local MP Ron Cannan at the kick-off breakfast for the poppy sale campaign last month. people wear poppies for different reasons—some to remember Second World War veterans and others for those who have served and continue to serve in more recent conflicts— the message is the same. “The poppy not only reminds that it is this time of year (Remembrance Day) but it also reminds what this is all about,” said the local MP. The poppy was popularized as a symbol of remembrance thanks in large part to the poem In Flanders Fields, written by Canadian physician and Army Lt.-Col John
McCrae, who served in the First World War. (See poem on V11.) It is said his fellow soldiers retrieved the poem after McCrae, initially unsatisfied with his work, discarded it. “In Flanders Fields” was first published on Dec. 8, 1915, in the London-based magazine Punch. McCrae was inspired to write the poem after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier who died in battle. The first lines of the poem reference poppies between the graves of fallen soldiers: “In Flanders
fields the poppies blow/ Between the crosses, row on row.” LeRoy said this year in Kelowna there will be hundreds of volunteers who will help with the poppy campaign. “We have people who do this year in and year out,” he said of the commitment some show to the annual display of remembrance. And during the poppy camapign kickoff there was a special salute to the volunteers who work so hard each year. “To all the volunteers, a big thank-you from the bottom of my heart,” said RCL Branch 26 president
John Cashin. “Without you we would not bring in as much money as we do each year.” This year organizers expect as many as 90,000 poppies will be distributed here. LeRoy said the Legion does not “sell” poppies, but rather distributes them and people make a donation in return. Remembrance Day celebrations will be held at cenotaphs on Nov. 11, including in Kelowna’s City Park, as well as in Rutland, Lake Country, West Kelowna and Peachland, Assemblies will also be held at many area schools on Friday, Nov 9.
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Kelowna services planned
Paying respect to those who gave their lives
Kelowna from V3 • Abbott Street from Bernard Avenue to Lawrence Avenue • Lawrence Avenue from Abbott Street to Ellis Street • Ellis Street from Bernard Avenue to Lawrence Avenue. The closures on Mill Street, Bernard Avenue and Abbott Street will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. as veterans march to the Cenotaph in Veendam Gardens in City Park. Following the ceremonies, the parade will proceed up Lawrence Avenue to Ellis Street between 11:30 a.m. and noon. The intersection of Lawrence and Pandosy will be closed to traffic during this time, with the exception of transit buses. The Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans Parade in Rutland will involve the closure of: • Dougall Road North and South, from McIntosh Road to Gray Road • Gray Road, from Dougall Road South to Pemberton Road • Pemberton Road, from Gray Road to Lions Park. Ceremonies will take place at the Cenotaph in Rutland Lions Park.
Wade Paterson
SYD PRATT is the long-time Royal Canadian Legion
STAFF REPORTER
Poppy Campaign chairman for Kelowna.
Syd Pratt doesn’t have a lot of spare time between Oct. 1 and Nov. 10. From early in the morning until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, the 92-year-old Pratt gets in his car and visits businesses to raise funds for the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign. The Capital News learned this while attempting to track him down last Friday. He returned our call during his brief lunch break and rustled papers while determining the best place to meet him for a quick interview in the afternoon. “I’ll be on Evans Court at 2 p.m.,” he said. Sure enough, at 1:55 p.m., Pratt pulled up in his red car, got out with clipboard in hand and walked toward the first business along the short industrial street. Pratt has been collecting donations in Kelowna for 23 years. According to him, it’s out of “respect for the people who gave their lives.” Last year Pratt collected over $30,000 in donations. According to Ronald LeRoy, local chairman of the poppy campaign, that equated to one-third of all funds last year. “Fortunately I’ve been
WADE PATERSON/CAPITAL NEWS
Paying the ultimate price It was an ordinary afternoon like so many afternoons before, it’s astounding how a life can change by opening up a door. The man spoke with sorrow, completely dressed in black he told me calmly that my husband would not be coming back.
able to get better each year, (2011) was the best.” The task Pratt has taken on would be demanding for a person of any age, let alone someone who is eight years shy of becoming a centenarian. “My wife tells me it’s about time I quit—but I enjoy it. “I enjoy meeting the people. It’s such a good cause that I have no hesitation of wanting to do it.” Pratt said he’s “blessed” with the energy and good genes to be able to take on such a time-de-
‘‘
MY WIFE TELLS ME IT’S ABOUT TIME I QUIT—BUT I ENJOY IT. Syd Pratt
manding task. His mother lived to be 100 and his grandmother was 105 before she passed away. Being so involved in Remembrance Day over the last two decades, Pratt has also seen a few trends.
He noted more young people in the community seem to be embracing the importance of Remembrance Day than ever before. “When I first came here in 1979, I was so disappointed at the first memorial I went to—I think two hands carried all the young people there. “Now you go out and see the response. It’s tremendous. It makes us proud of what we’re trying to do, in memory of what the (veterans) did for us.”
I thought of our unborn child no father to call his own how the house we worked so hard to build would never be a home. I wondered where he lay, what struggles would come my way, all the things I wish I’d said but was too afraid to say. He lived and died for our country his life was his sacrifice, just like so many others he paid the ultimate price. This poem was submitted to the Capital News by KLO Middle School Grade 9 student Alicia Cooke.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
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All citizens are encouraged to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms and to attend one of the many Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout the Central Okanagan.
NOVEMBER 11, 2012
Kelowna • City Park Cenotaph Organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Kelowna Branch #26 At approximately 10:25 am a parade of participating organizations and the Colour Party will march from Kerry Park (Mill Street) along Abbott Street to the Cenotaph in City Park for the ceremony. Following the ceremony, participating youth groups are invited to the Legion Branch, 1380 Bertram Street for lunch. A period of social remembrance will be held in the Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
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Rutland • Lions Park Cenotaph Organized by the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit 376 The Gala Youth Choir will perform prior to the 11:00 am ceremony at the cenotaph in Lions Park. The ceremony will be preceded by a parade starting at 10:30 am from the Unit clubhouse parking lot at 270 Dougall Road North to Gray Road and into the park. Following the ceremony and parade dismissal, an Open House reception will be held at the Unit clubhouse, 270 Dougall Road North. Lake Country • George Elliot Secondary School 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road Organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Oyama Branch #189 Please be seated inside George Elliot Secondary School by 10:30 am. Following the ceremony a Public Open House will be held at the Legion Branch, 15712 Oyama Road. Peachland • Peachland Community Centre 4450 6th Street Organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Peachland Branch #69. Fall in at 10:20 am at the Peachland Community Centre. Following the ceremony, adults are welcome at the Peachland Legion on 2nd Street, while refreshments will be served for all children and their parents at the Peachland Community Centre. West Kelowna • Royal LePage Place 2760 Cameron Road, West Kelowna Organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Westbank Branch #288 Please arrive by 10:30 am as a parade involving participating organizations and the Colour Party precede the 11:00 am ceremony. Following the ceremony, lunch will be served at the Westbank Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main Street.
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North Sea rescue just another day at war
Soldier’s plea for peace
Judie Steeves
Stan Penner
STAFF REPORTER
CONTRIBUTOR
It was the middle of March and Kelowna veteran Art Hughes-Games was in the North Sea stripping to his skivvies in a dinghy so he could jump into the near-freezing water to rescue his fellow air crewmen, who couldn’t swim. Although he was actually a ground crew mechanic who worked on the fighter planes, he had been recruited to go up to replace a tail gunner in a search for a dinghy over the North Sea. “I wasn’t a tail gunner, but I could still sit in the rear turret and watch for German planes,� he explained. Unfortunately, on this trip, they had an accident and ended up in the drink, and since he was the only one of the bunch who could swim, he had to strip down and jump in to drag them to the dinghy. He managed to save three, but they lost one fellow, he recalls. Luckily, a spitfire saw them go in the North Sea, so it was less than an hour before help arrived, but Hughes-Games was pretty cold by then. When they got to shore, he said he was in a bit of a daze and he headed in the wrong direction instead of toward the waiting ambulance. Even when he got in, it
The poem below was written by Nicholas Peters just after the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. Peters, who lived for some years at Grande Pointe, Man., had emigrated to Canada from Russia in 1925 as a boy of 10 and had seen firsthand the horrors of revolution and war in his native country. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 and trained as a flying officer. He died on the night of March 7-8, 1945, after his aircraft was hit by enemy fire. This particular poem is from a collection of Peters’ work entitled Another Morn.
THE WARS WE MAKE
DOUG FARROW/CONTRIBUTOR
VETERANS stand at attention during the Remembrance Day ceremony last year at the City Park cenotaph. wasn’t until they got him to hospital and packed hot water bottles all around him from head to toe that he began to feel warmer. Because he worked mostly on the ground on the Lancasters, he didn’t see much action during the war, although he said he was up on another occasion when a German JU 88 shot at them. “I was not in the turret at the time, so I didn’t see it, and when they told me we were under fire, I
FRESH PRODUCE
thought they were teasing me. However, when I heard our return fire I quickly felt different,� he recalls. Both missed. When he enlisted in the Air Force in 1940, Hughes-Games was working in Fort William, Ontario building fighter planes, but he loved airplanes so it was natural he would choose to join the Air Force. He was sent to Toronto, then St. Thomas
BAKERY
where his skill as an aircraft mechanic meant he served as an instructor. “But, I was 19 and I wanted to see some action; I wanted to go overseas,� recalls HughesGames. At first he was stationed in Cornwall on the south coast of England, but later he was with bomber squadron 426 in Scotland. They were “up against it all the time, with flyers going out every night
to shoot Germans,� he remembers. After he’d served for five years he was posted back to Canada because he’d been serving overseas for so long, and three days after he returned, the armistice was declared. Not much later, he was discharged and he returned to his home in Kelowna where he worked for awhile with his father. “I was pleased the war was over,� he said. jsteeves@kelownacapnews.com
FLORAL FRESH DEPARTMENT MEAT
DELI
I gaze into the world with sorrowing eyes And see the wide-abounding fruits of hate. We fight, we say, for peace, and find The wars we make To be a spring of hate and source of future wars. Is there no peace for man No hope that this accursed flow Of blood may cease Is this our destiny: to kill and maim For peace? Or is this ‘peace’ we strive to gain A thin unholy masquerade Which, when our pride, our greed, our gain is touched too far, Is shed, and stands uncovered what we are? Show me your light, O God That I may fight for peace with peace And not with war; To prove my love with love, And hate no more! Some 20 years ago, my wife and I stood beside Peters’ grave in an Allied war cemetery in Germany, with a huge sword on a cross backdrop. As I read the poem out loud, we grieved for him and the countless others buried there “row on row� in those graveyards of Europe. Quietly they lie now, sometimes friend and foe close together with so much of life still waiting to be lived. Most of the last verse of Peters’ poem is inscribed on his tombstone with “me� and “I� changed to “us� and “we.� I dream of the day when all of us, governments included, will listen to this soldier’s plea.
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The importance of Remembrance Day
This November 11th we
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Three Springvalley Middle School students articulate what the annual recognition of Nov. 11 means to them. WHY REMEMBRANCE DAY IS IMPORTANT TO ME Tehyannna Meier GRADE 7 STUDENT
The eleventh hour, eleventh day and the eleventh month. We all bow our heads in silence for two minutes to show respect for all the soldiers who died in the wars for us. Remembrance Day is very important to me, it should be important to everyone. So many soldiers died for us. The people that were in the war deserve respect. It is only because of them that we are a free country. In this essay, I am going to write about the poppies, why Remembrance Day is important to me, and about the poem, “In Flanders Fields.” The people who fought in the war should not be forgotten. What do you think the poppy means? I think it is a sign of peace. When you wear a poppy, you are saying thank you to the soldiers who died in the war for us. When people first started wearing poppies there were not enough to go around, so that is when they started making cloth poppies. In Flanders Fields the poppies rise out of the ground. They are as red as a rose and they cover the land of death with bright beauty, it makes it come alive in colour. The poppies bring peace to all the land. Why is Remembrance Day important to you? It is important to me because I had family members who fought in the war and also because the soldiers of the war deserve to be remem-
bered and thanked for their good deed. It is only because of them that we are a free country. They were also brave enough to sacrifice their lives for ours. It is important that we make sure they are never forgotten. In Flanders Fields, that poem is very popular in Canada. It’s a poem almost every person in Canada knows. John McCrae started writing it during the war. Flanders Fields, is an actual place in Belgium. That is where many of the soldiers were buried. Every spring cherry red poppies cover the field where the bodies lay. Flanders Fields is a wellknown place to everyone in Canada. On the eleventh month, of the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, we all bow our heads for two minutes of silence. We have to remember where our freedom came from; it comes from the brave soldiers. We remember them by the poppy by their grave stone, and on our chest. It is important because they gave their lives for our freedom. When I get older I will tell people of our brave heroes. The soldiers.
WHY WE SHOULD REMEMBER Ashleigh Poirier GRADE 7 STUDENT
What really is Remembrance Day? A holiday, yes, but what is it really? Why do we remember all of these people? In this essay, I will be telling you about the freedom that the veterans gave us when they went off to war and why we should
remember them. I will also share with you more about the minute of silence we participate in every November at eleven o’clock. Lastly, I will be sharing with you some of the sacrifices that the soldiers made for us. I hope that this essay will inform you on all that the soldiers gave up for us and how their bravery changed our lives. Why would you rather spend your day off remembering when you could play on the computer? Well, without the veterans who fought and died for you, you would not be on the computer now; in fact, you might not even be alive. Without them you may be surrounded by war, you might be a child soldier, anything would be possible. However, there is one thing that would be certain; you would not have the freedoms that you have today. Therefore, we need to spend Remembrance Day remembering the soldiers who went off to war, because without their bravery our lives would not be the same. One of the ways that people all over Canada show that they remember is by participating in the Minute of Silence. The minute of silence was made to represent the peace that was made on Nov. 11 at eleven o’clock to mark the ending of the First World War. For many soldiers, the minute of pure silence without gunshots and screaming, bullets and planes and cries and bombs is a promise that all of that has passed and that peace is now upon us. For those of us who
The men & women who fought for our freedom & country
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THIS COMMEMORATIVE poster for Remembrance Day was created by Courtenay Wright, a Grade 7 student at Springvalley Middle S chool. have never experienced the battlefield, it is a time for us to put ourselves in their shoes and imagine all that went through their minds during that tragic period. Have you ever had to sacrifice anything for someone else? I know that most people have, but just imaging sacrificing your life. Imagine going off to war, taking one last look at your family’s faces and knowing that you may never see them again. How many people would want to go, for their country, know that even though it would be terrible, it was the right thing
to do. Most people would not say no, but these soldiers all went, knowing that there was no reward and knowing just as well that they would most likely end their lives in those battles. They faced danger, pain, tragedy and death, but they fought all the same. Those men and women made every sacrifice possible for us and some of them didn’t even live to see their work pay off. Every single one of those people showed traits that are admired and envied by all people, then and now. In their battles, the sol-
diers laid their lives on the line and showed selflessness and humanity at a new level. The soldiers have changed our lives by setting a future of peace and nonviolence for us and our descendants. Because of their bravery, Canada is a free country and we can say truthfully that we live in freedom. We have no fear of war, but when we look back, we find a horror that we cannot describe, one that are heroes fought in, for us. A minute of silence is a way for us to show that we remember them, and
that we will never forget their sacrifices. They died for us and we cannot let their story die. They are our heroes. They are my heroes.
WHY WE SHOULD REMEMBER Melissa Zander GRADE 7 STUDENT
If you think of Remembrance Day, what do you see? To some, it’s just a day off school or work. For others, there’s a whole other meaning to it.
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Trying to see past war and destruction Centre for Spiritual Living speaker series will be held the first Wednesday of each month at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
As Canada prepares for its annual recognition of Remembrance Day, the Centre for Spiritual Living has launched its new Gratitude Café Speaker Series at the Rotary Centre for the Arts with a look at the holiday’s underlying message of peace. Rev. Karin Wilson examined how we can use our minds to create a more powerful experience of peace in our homes, our businesses, our community, and through that, the world. “Peace is something that can be achieved, and is being achieved, in our world daily—
even when we are tempted to only see war and destruction,” said Wilson, host of the Gratitude Café. “It is the human condition to separate ourselves from each other, and in so doing we forget all that we have in common.” Practicing Peace: A Dialogue on Peace took place on Wednesday, and will be followed by similar forums on the first Wednesday of every month at the Rotary Centre for the Arts through to next May, offering Kelowna residents the opportunity to look at current affairs through a spiritual lens. Wilson has been addressing audiences in the Kelowna area for more than five years. She’s a staff minister at the Centre for Spiritual Living, and is one of the founders of the wellregarded Okanagan Institute and the original host of its popular Express Series. She’s also been a local jour-
The Chatsworth honours our Canadian vets
nalist whose work fect any change,” has appeared on she said. CBC Radio and in “My feeling is many regional and that by looking at provincial publicacurrent affairs from tions. a positive spirituHer column al perspective, we Under Current, not only retain our which explored humanity, but prothe spiritual side of vide a pathway for current affairs, apconversations that peared for many might not otheryears in the Capital wise take place.” Karin Wilson News. The Centre for Wilson said the Spiritual Living new speaker series, which will provides spiritual tools to transcontinue the first Wednesday of form our personal lives and help each month at the Rotary Centre make the world a better place. for the Arts through to May, will Today there are more than 450 provide an opportunity to look at Centres for Spiritual Living opercurrent affairs through a spiritu- ating worldwide, led by local spiral lens. itual director Dr. Kenn Gordon. “So many people make a deFor more information about cision at some point in their lives the Centre for Spiritual Living to disengage from the world of af- and the upcoming series, call 250fairs because it feels like an as- 860-3500, or visit the centre’s sault, and they feel helpless to af- website at kelowna.csl.org.
Chartwell retirement residences across Canada, including The Chatsworth Retirement Suites & Bungalows complex in Kelowna, will be paying tribute to Canadian veterans in November by inviting them into their homes for a complimentary lunch as a way of saying “thank you” for their service to our country. Operating retirement and long-term care residences across Canada, Chartwell prides itself on providing exceptional care and services to seniors, including many veterans who served in the Second World War. “It’s a small gesture that shows our gratitude and appreciation for the large sacrifices our veterans made to keep our country free,” said Brent Binions, president and chief executive officer of Chartwell Seniors Housing. “Chartwell is committed to ensuring that their legacy lives on in future generations and, while we have the opportunity, that we never stop saying thank you to them for their courage and contributions.” In 2010, Chartwell published a book entitled Honour, which featured the photos and profiles of individuals who were veterans or supported the war effort and who lived in a Chartwell residence. Thirty-five photos by renowned photographer Yuri Dojc accompanied intimate stories of their personal experiences. Last year, Chartwell released the documentary Honour: Their Stories, Our History, which included the humble and moving interviews that were conducted as part of the making of the book. Copies of the book and DVD have been donated to schools across Canada in an effort to ensure this important history is passed on to future generations. “At The Chatsworth, many employees comment on the fact that learning about the past life of our residents is one of the most interesting and fulfilling aspects of working with seniors,” said Penny Wight, general manager at The Chatsworth. “By offering veterans in the community a complimentary lunch, we are offering both our appreciation and our interest in learning their stories as well.”
Springvalley Middle School students voice their feelings about Remembrance Day Why from V7 Maybe that’s because their grandfather or a different relative had served in the war. Maybe they once knew someone who died bringing peace and freedom to our country. I may not have either, but I’m sure many of my friends do. In my writing, you can read about poppies, the two minutes of silence
and what Remembrance Day means to me. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing this. Picture a poppy. It is red, black, and a flower. But there’s more to it than that. The history of the poppy goes back decades from now. Originally, there weren’t very many of them. Because of the lime in the ruble on the ground, the soil became capable
to grow poppies. Flanders Fields were covered in the blood red flower, which had started growing everywhere. After the war(s), the poppies ended up nearly disappearing again. Now though, people will see poppies everywhere including on people. Either from the start of November to the 11, or just on Nov. 11, people will wear a poppy to remember those who never
came back after the wars. If we forget about the poppies, we most likely will forget about the soldiers, as for the poppies are a symbol of the soldiers. On Nov. 11, 1918, at 11:00 in the morning, the First World War ended. Every year at this time, we have two minutes of silence, remembering those who have died for the peace we have. These mere minutes mean everything to some
people, so you shouldn’t disrupt them. Yeah; a baby might, but what do you expect? It’s a baby, it doesn’t know any better. Use these two minutes wisely, and don’t be that someone who doesn’t care any bit. What does Remembrance Day mean to you? To me, it’s all about the ceremonies. Ever since I was in Grade 1, I’ve gone to the Rutland cenotaph for the memorial that the
Lest We Forget Honouring all the veterans who served and sacrificed so that we may know freedom.
Thank them this Remembrance Day
ing, you’ve learned all about the poppies, the two minutes of silence and what Remembrance Day means to me. An author once wrote: “Freedom has a way of destroying itself.” I believe deeply in this and think that this might be the cause to a new war in the future. What’s your take on all this?
With Honour and Respect TO A L L V E T E R A N S
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Girl Guides participate in. At school, my friends and I would always walk together for our annually assembly, wearing our uniforms. An unknown writer once wrote: “To live a life in peace, we should remember those who have fought for the peace we have.” I fully agree with this and think that this should not be forgotten. By reading my writ-
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LEST WE FORGET
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“In Remembrance of my Father...”
In 1918, Volunteer Moina Michael developed the idea of wearing a memorial poppy after reading the poem In Flanders Fields.
Captain
GILBERT G. BRETT During WWII Gilbert’s division (Irish Fuselliers) were ordered to be ready to be shipped to France the next morning. At the final moment another division was sent instead. Not one came home.
Thank you for wearing a red poppy as a sign of remembrance.
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Decorated soldier’s legacy enshrined by museum Jennifer Smith
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Patience does not appear to be a virtue Lt.-Col. John MacGregor possessed as a young man. Before he ever earned a military rank, he hiked through snow for five straight days to reach Powell River and enlist. Unfortunately, the arduous venture caused such exhaustion he was rejected on first round for not passing the medical test; but he made up for that setback. When he finally made it into the service, he fought his way into this country’s most epic battle and, managing to fend off a machine gun crew, emerged from Vimy Ridge a hero. He would go on to become the most decorated Canadian soldier in history, though when he originally enlisted he wasn’t even a citizen. “It’s an incredible story when you think about it,” said the Commanding Officer of the BC Dragoons, Nigel Whittaker. “He was a 20-yearfold guy when he immigrated. Didn’t have a job. Came to Canada and endted up working as a traprper…(before he) went to rVictoria and successfully joined. “And then, he does some quite remarkable acts of bravery in the First World War when just to
JENNIFER SMITH/CAPITAL NEWS
THE commanding officer of the B.C. Dragoons, Nigel Whittaker (right), chats with Dragoon members who attended a presentation of Lt. Colonel John MacGregor’s 11 medals, now mounted in the shadow box shown above.
serve in the trenches during that conflict was, dare I say it, an incredible act of bravery.” Whittaker was in town for a presentation to celebrate those acts of brav-
ery—the mounting of a complete replica set of his medals in the home of the BC Dragoons, the unit he fought under. “Back then, I hadn’t heard of him. All you ever
heard about was Billy Bishop. Billy Bishop. B.C. was new. The Dragoons had joined later and they didn’t count,” said Robert Hadgraft, president of the Okanagan Military Mu-
seum Society for the last 17 years. Like the true Presbyterian Scot that he was, MacGregor didn’t boast of his achievements at war, though there were many. His proudest moment, despite winning a string of medals including the Military Cross and the Victoria Cross, was said to be earning his Canadian citizenship. It is likely not unforeseeable that his memory took years to be given the recognition it deserved. His son, James McGregor, wrote a book— though it was published after he died of cancer in
1959—but by and large very few know that MacGregor is Canada’s most decorated soldier to this day. The Okanagan Military Museum Society members spoke of building a legacy to their most decorated veteran by sourcing, collecting and building a full set of his 11 medals—which include the Victoria Cross, Military Cross and bar and the Distinguished Conduct Medal—borrowing a set of his medals from museums around the world, including the Canadian War Museum. These medals have been known to fetch $3
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AND THEN, HE DOES SOME QUITE REMARKABLE ACTS OF BRAVERY IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR WHEN JUST TO SERVE IN THE TRENCHES DURING THAT CONFLICT WAS, DARE I SAY IT, AN INCREDIBLE ACT OF BRAVERY. Nigel Whittiker, BC Dragoons
million to $4 million at auction and it took $8,000 to negotiate to borrow the hardware, transport and protect it so Penticton-based veteran Chris Templeton could make the copies. Spearheaded by the Kelowna Museum’s associate director of collections, Tracy Satin, it took a full year to make the project happen; it was launched during the centennial anniversary of the British Columbia Dragoons in 2011. The medals will join one of MacGregor’s uniforms in a display within the Okanagan Military Museum, 1424 Ellis St.
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Written perspective of youth Students at KLO Middle School offer their insights about Remembrance Day and what Nov. 11 means to them IN MEMORY OF ELIZABETH GENEVIEVE WOODMAN Elizabeth Genevieve Woodman was not just like any woman. She had a lot of courage. She was one of the few women who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II to help fight for our freedom. There were approximately 120 women in the Air Force at that time and so each individual had to make sure they did their specific jobs so that everything could be completed on time. By the end of the World War II, more than two million women had worked in the war industries. Furthermore, Elizabeth was from Newfoundland. At this time, the Newfoundlanders were very big suppliers to the wars. They were the suppliers of goods and everything the soldiers needed to survive. Today, women who were in the war should be remembered just as much as the men because without them, we wouldn’t have the freedom we have today in Canada. Toni-Ann Stewart
ERIN DOYLE All soldiers are brave. Erin Doyle died bravely. Erin Doyle was born in Kamloops, on March 20, 1976. He served in Afghanistan, and was only 32 when he died, on Aug. 11, 2008. On that day, they were unable to hold the enemy off. They knew that it was only a matter of time before the enemy was upon them. The first round hit the sandbagged walls of the base. Doyle led a charge to man the heavy C6 machine gun in the southern tower. But the enemy knew exactly what they were trying to do. Three rockets were shot at the tower that Doyle was in. Sadly, that was the last day he was on Earth. His friend McMichael had said, “He died with his finger on the trigger, he died screaming in the face of the enemy.” Jade Higgs-Forster
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WIDE AWAKE NIGHTMARE The shore’s approach And the tides scream louder My clock is winding down And the tears seem to fall like rain I knew I had given my last goodbye It was just a matter of how long I’d last The sound of war is indescribable by words The woes of my dying brothers And the thundering of machine gun fire Being mocked by the thumping of my heart My trepidation has passed For I know what’s to come I drop to my knees And cannot get up The grip of death takes hold The world seems to mute itself And I feel my last short breaths come and go These last memories are made from pain The only regret Is that I’m dying in vain Please let me be remembered As a hero, and not another name in stone… Jaiden Pearson
ONES WE REMEMBER Once upon a time is how fairy tales start. But this is real life, not everyone has a happy ending. Some are still here, alive with us today, Others are gone, they have passed away. CONTRIBUTED
We remember them always, as what they are, Brave, fearless and stronger than love, We are thankful to have so many kind souls, They fought for our freedom and safety. They risked their lives, left their homes, For our futures, they were so bold, They had passion and love, were so strong and true, Their stories will stay with us forever. Loved ones were sickened with fear, Scared their sons or husbands would never return, They prayed each night for their soul to be safe, They will never be forgotten. Sam Johnston
THIS ARTWORK commemorating Remembrance Day was done by Springvalley Middle School Grade 7 student Amber Roeske.
PERCEPTION Throughout their life, one person means a variety of things to different individuals and can have great influence over many lives. To his country, Stanley Charles Hodges was a decorated member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. During World War II, he was a mid-upper gunner on a Langcaster bomber.
Pause. Remember. Give thanks.
I am home working in the riding from November 9th to 18th. If you wish to meet with me to discuss issues or concerns related to the federal government feel free to call my office at:
250-470-5075 I will do my best to meet with you. On Remembrance Day, November 11th I encourage you to honour our veterans by joining me at Lions Park Cenotaph in Rutland or alternatively at the cenotaphs in Kelowna City Park or Lake Country.
Ron Cannan, P.C., M.P. Kelowna - Lake Country
114-1835 Gordon Drive, Capri Mall, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4 (250)-470-5075 ron@cannan.ca www.cannan.ca
Where beautiful memories rest 1991 Bernard Avenue 250 862-5518 kelowna.ca/cemetery
He completed 30 missions and flew over Berlin 11 times. He won the Distinguished Flying Cross for being an expert and a determined fighter who showed leadership and calmness. To my Great Grandma Sadie, Stan Hodges was a loving husband. They were married on Dec.19, 1942. Two days after their wedding, he boarded a ship to England to fight in the war. For the next two years he fought in combat overseas. When the war ended, they moved to Lake Cowichan where he was a member of the B.C. Police. During their lives, Stan and Sadie lived in many parts of western Canada. He worked a variety of different jobs while raising two daughters, Susan and Maureen. To my Grandma Susan, her father was a man of great integrity and was always very fair. He loved his children, grand children and great grand children he had a big heart and a great sense of humor. He was always learning new things by taking courses and reading. Stan was a very adventurous man. Susan has followed in his footsteps and is always trying new adventures. She’s always loved the ocean, but never spent much time on boats. Now, in her 60s, she is living on her new boat in
Cowichan Bay. To my dad Sean, Great Grandpa was a best friend who taught him about fishing and hunting. Dad was always impressed that wherever they happened to be, Grandpa Stan almost always knew somebody. Dad loved World War Two planes and together, they built many models of Spitfires and Lancasters. The traditions of hunting, fishing and respecting the outdoors and giving back to nature have been passed through the generations in my family. My dad and I now spend hours exploring the back roads, lakes and rivers of B.C. To me, Great Grandpa Stan was very kind. He always smiled when I was around him. I used to sit on his knee and we looked at pictures and he read me stories about horses. He was a very caring and loving person with a great personality. He had rosy red cheeks like Santa and white hair. My love of horses started when Grandpa Stan read me stories and talked about his life with horses. One of my special mementoes is porcelain horses that he was given when he was a young boy. Great Grandma Sadie gave it to me after he passed away. He will forever be missed. Kiana Richardson
Capital News Friday, November 9, 2012
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Remembrance Day 11 NOVEMBER
In Flanders Fields poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, 3 May 1915
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row. That mark our place, and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
lest we forget.
Honour & Remember N O V E M B E R 11, 2012
E L E V E N T H • D AY • M O N T H • H O U R
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At the going down of the sun And in the morning, Teachers will remember our veterans And honour their legacy.
central okanagan teachers’ association