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Shelburne Free Press https://shelburnefreepress.ca/?p=4652 Export date: Tue Jul 23 8:10:09 2024 / +0000 GMT |
Remembrance Day at Dufferin Oaks: honouring Mel Henry Mel Henry like all veterans, was not just any man. He was Leona Henry's husband for 67 years, he was father to three children, seven grandchildren, and two great grand children. While in the service during WWII, Henry was a driver operator and operated the radio. “He only ever had to shoot one shot,” chuckled Leona with tears in her eyes for the man she loved so well. “He had one close call in Germany just as the war was almost over and the trucks were going through a field checking for bombs. Well, one went off! The major took shrapnel in the butt and other shrapnel went straight through the radio Mel had at his chest, but it missed him!” When asked how she would like people to think of her husband, Leona Henry, forcing herself not to cry said, “I'd like to remember too many things. I want people to remember the good times we had travelling to the East Coast, West Coast, Hawaii , we've been to so many places. Mel didn't make it to Alaska though, that's one thing we didn't get to do because Mel took a fall in 2011.” Sadly, Mel Henry passed away October 12, 2013 after having stayed in Dufferin Oaks since his fall in 2011. But that is not how he is remembered. He is remembered as happy, he is remembered dearly by his family, and now he is remembered forever in the hearts and minds of those who read this article as honored, respected and now, another of our heroes, gone but not forgotten and dearly missed. “War is a terrible thing. I remember 1941 or 42 Mel had to leave on Christmas Eve. Can you imagine? The hardest thing is it's a long wait for him to come home. I think if Mel were here now, he'd tell you how disappointed he is that people are not appreciating our country the way they should,” said Mrs. Henry. Dufferin Oak's Pastor, Rev. Gord Horsley spoke of Mel Henry fondly during the remembrance ceremony and Mayor Ed Crewson had this to say, “I cannot imagine what it must have been like, ..I can only offer my undying gratitude with my meager words. I say thank you to our veterans.” And so for the residents of Dufferin Oaks who attended, the mood was somber, the day was blustery and overcast and the perfect backdrop to reflect and imagine many days just like this one passing you by, cold and wet, without refuge, fighting to keep loved ones back home safe, fighting for a way of life to remain unblemished by the horror our veterans faced for us, all of us. Unwavering courage, resilient even when war felt more like hell on earth, our veterans persevered and are remembered, treasured, and valued. For those who gave their lives, the ultimate cost, and it is a cost, we do not, we will not forget you, your sacrifice, your gift to us and for that, we are forever grateful. By Alex Sher 
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Post date: 2013-11-14 18:25:32 Post date GMT: 2013-11-14 23:25:32 Post modified date: 2013-11-21 09:05:06 Post modified date GMT: 2013-11-21 14:05:06 |
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