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Vol. 17, No. 50, Wednesday, November 9, 2022 www.LamontLeader.com
Military authors keep war history alive
BY JANA SEMENIUK A trip to Normandy France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019 set Edmonton author Don Levers on a journey documenting what-if moments from World War II, including stories of his own father, in his book Our Father’s Footsteps. Levers’ book tells the stories of four ordinary men who served during World War II with heart-stopping moments when they were nearly killed. “I'm sure that everyone has had their own what-if moments, those close calls that you manage to survive and wondering sometimes how you did,” said Levers. “The thing is that men and women in every war, lived with that potential 24/7.” Levers, who is scheduled for a speaking engagement at the Rainbow Club in Andrew Nov. 15, recently shared the stage Nov. 4 alongside authors and historians Ted Barris and David O’Keefe as they presented an evening of military storytelling at Sherwood Park’s Festival Place. O’Keefe, whose credits include TV host of ‘War Junk’ and his upcoming docuseries The Bermuda Triangle on History Channel, first wrote about the Allied raid on Dieppe in his book One Day in August in 2013 and since then, has uncovered more information behind the catastrophic event where more than 900 Canadian men lost their lives.
Edmonton author Don Levers spoke about his new book Our Fathers' Footsteps onstage with fellow military historian authors; David O'Keefe (behind) and Ted Barris (not shown) Nov. 4 at Festival Place. Levers is also scheduled to speak at the Rainbow Club in Andrew Nov. 15. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
“The death rate was a disaster,” said O’Keefe. “Almost 5,000 casualties, 907 Canadians. The key with this is we never expected that Dieppe would have such a central role in the Battle of the Atlantic.” This battle is the focus of Barris’ 20th book on Canadian military history, “Battle of the Atlantic, Gauntlet to Victory.” “The Battle of the Atlantic, was the longest continuous military action of the Second World War,” said Barris. “It literally began on the third of September 1939, all the way to May 8, 1945, or 2074 days.” Barris’ new book includes a foreword by Gordon Laco, naval advisor
Military historian Ted Barris poses for a photo with one of the youngest attendees, 13-year-old Chase Mardres, at his recent storytelling event Nov. 4 at Festival Place in Sherwood Park. The event drew more than 200 people. Photo: Jana Semeniuk for the Tom Hanks movie, Greyhound which was released online by Apple TV in 2020. Barris remembered meeting Laco from his early years hosting a radio program in Ontario and approached Laco to proofread his manuscript. “When he was finished, (I asked him) Would you write the foreword? He said, I'd be honoured,” said Barris. Meanwhile, Levers’ book also includes a forward from a well-known Albertan, recently retired news anchor Gordon Steinke. “I met up with Gordon before I headed to Normandy, and I told him a little bit about my dad's story. And the fact that I was going to Normandy for the 75th anniversary, and Gord said,
‘It’ll be great to walk in your dad's footsteps’,” said Levers, who added that Gord’s comment inspired the title for his book. Levers described his dad, rifleman Gerry Levers’, experience after landing on Juno Beach at Normandy. “He was waterlogged but managed to make his way down the beach,” he said. Levers said his dad crossed several kilometers before a bullet brought him down. “He sent a letter home to my grandparents that said ‘(if the bullet landed) two inches higher, (he) would have stopped being a man’,” said Levers. “Two days later, 58 men of his regiment were captured in the battle and murdered by the 12th SS. I've often wondered whether the fact that he was wounded on D Day helped to save his life. He could have been with those men.” In a separate interview, Barris, who has documented Canada’s military history through his books for the past 40 years, spoke to the importance of bringing the next generation into the tradition of Remembrance Day. “It’s why David and I do what we do; for the enjoyment of the discovery and a deep-down passion to keep history from fading away,” he said. “John McRae (author of ‘In Flanders Fields’) talked about passing the torch. There it is, from failing hands.”
Outbreaks declared at two EIPS schools in Lamont County
BY JANA SEMENIUK At least two of five Lamont County schools have been plagued with respiratory illness outbreaks prompting letters sent to families from Alberta Health Services. Lamont Elementary had letters sent home Nov. 1 while Bruderheim Elementary sent letters home Nov. 3 indicating an outbreak had been declared by AHS. The letter described illness symp-
toms including cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, and gastrointestinal upsets, while providing tips for preventing the spread of illness. The notice also indicated that students could return to school once their symptoms have improved and they have been free of fever for 24 hours without the use of medication. EIPS Communications Director Laura McNabb explained the criteria
around illness outbreak declarations in schools. “When student absenteeism due to illness reaches 10 percent or more, schools are required to notify Alberta Health Services, who will then investigate and determine if the situation meets outbreak criteria,” she said by email “The declaration is made by AHS and they in-turn provide relevant information to parents.” She added that the decision to close
a school due to illness outbreak would be made by AHS and not the school division. Meanwhile, AHS is offering flu immunization clinics at the Lamont Health Care Centre for children under five and their family or household members on Nov. 17 and Dec. 15 by appointment only.