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Shelburne Free Press https://shelburnefreepress.ca/?p=10566 Export date: Tue Jul 23 9:27:49 2024 / +0000 GMT |
Not forgotten When 17 year old Shannon Taggart, daughter of Dan and Judy Taggart of Mansfield, had the opportunity to travel with fellow Centre Dufferin District High School history students on the Battlefield tour this spring she learned and experienced things that she will never forget. She gives much credit to her teachers, led by history head Neil Orford, for enriching that experience. On November 9th , marking the approach of Remembrance Day, she shared her memories with her congregation at Trinity United Church in honour of those who served and fell. She shares her dedication here: “Each year on November 11th we are asked to remember. To remember the sacrifices so many men and women gave. Each and every day I'm sure that we all do something that would not have been possible without the strength of those people. This year has been especially memorable for me considering I had the outstanding opportunity to travel to Europe, where so many gave the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Howes (Trinity United Church minister) asked me to share some of my favourite memories of the trip with you. Ypres, Belgium: It was heart warming how the people of Belgium accepted Canadians. They treat us like long lost friends. I would weigh a lot more if I had stayed any longer. While I was touring I was with a group of four other girls. We knew that Belgium was famous for their chocolate, so we stopped in a little store that was filled to the brim. When we got inside the lady behind the counter immediately noticed the Canadian flag on our jackets. She went out of her way to make sure these four Canadian girls had the best chocolate in store at a considerably reduced price. This gesture was made strictly because we were Canadians. This was her small gesture of thanks for what Canadians had done for them. Belgium has an amazing tradition that happens every night, where wreaths are laid and everyone gathers to remember those who have given their lives for their freedom. They have not forgotten the Canadians. Another heart-warming story happened in a small bakery not far from the hotel we stayed in the first few nights. Our teacher Mr. Orford had encouraged us to try french cuisine which did not include McDonalds. The local bakery was owned by a man who spoke very little English. But he tried so hard when 21 students came in and ordered their lunches. He made huge sandwiches for all of us and made sure to send us with extra desserts and lots of water. For the next few mornings we would always go back to the same bakery and get the same thing we had ordered the day before. Not only did he greet us all with a smiling face, but he knew exactly what we wanted for lunch that day. They have not forgotten the Canadians. The experience was that much more amazing because of the teachers we had with us. Mr. Orford, Ms. Rankin and Mr. Zeidler changed our whole outlook during this trip. A moment that really stood out to me was at one of the most beautiful cemeteries. It is clear how much work Europeans put into maintaining war cemeteries. The first one we stopped at was not only breath taking, but significant. Row upon row of Canadian headstones mark the resting place of our fallen heroes. They rest in countries not their own. Thankfully these countries honour Canadians as their own. Ms. Rankin had a relative who was buried in the cemetery that we were visiting. She told us about him as she laid down the wreath she had brought on his grave. Her story made us realize how many lives are touched by war. Some say in Canadian history, Vimy Ridge was the catalyst that moved Canada from country to proud, independent nation. When I first saw the monument at Vimy I was at a loss for words. Which is remarkable, because ask my parents, I am never at a loss for words. Much like the cemeteries of Canadian men and women the care and maintenance of these monuments was unbelievable. There was not a blade of grass or flower out of place. They have not forgotten the Canadians. In my 17 years of life and maybe for the rest of my life I don't believe I will ever be moved like this again. Juno beach where the Canadians invaded France was one place that Centre Dufferin could not get enough of. We visited Juno more than once. There was one statue in particular that stood out for me while we were there. This statue was made up of four men who represented the four branches of the Canadian forces. What made this statue different was the fact that you couldn't tell which of these four men belonged to which branch, because they are all equally important. The men are also joined together at their hands to represent that fact that they are brothers that stick together. How does one individual grasp the sacrifice given by so many? I have experienced a trip of a lifetime; I have spoke about a small amount of my time in Europe. This trip made me feel more Canadian and more proud to be Canadian than ever before. I have not forgotten.” Each day that Canadians live their lives in freedom they honour the sacrifices of thousands of brave men and women who gave their all to safeguard that privilege in the name of their Country. On November 11th and every day, we thank them. By Marni Walsh |
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Post date: 2014-11-12 20:40:13 Post date GMT: 2014-11-13 01:40:13 Post modified date: 2014-11-19 11:15:34 Post modified date GMT: 2014-11-19 16:15:34 |
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