ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION LEGION REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY GLENWOOD CENTRE Following the Glenwood Centre Ceremony, Services will be held at: The Field of Honour Greenwood Cemetery honouring World War & Korean Veterans. The Harbour Quay Cenotaph honouring the Merchant Navy Veterans & The Schan Family ALBERNI VALLEY TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11 TH , 10:30 am (Please be seated by 10:15 am) REMEMBRANCE DAY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | 1B Lest We Forget E very year the number of veterans we have with us decreases. It is important that their stories are not forgotten. In an effort to bridge the gap between generations, the Vast Education Centre and members of the Royal Canadian Legion in Port Alberni gathered earlier this month. The veterans shared their experiences, and now the students will share their reflections of this meaningful meeting in the following pages. The images on this page are just two of the contributed pieces from the students and teachers at Vast. The rest follow in this special section of the Alberni Valley Times. [CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: CARLEY EDGAR, KAMA CALLICUM AND NATASHA FAUST] Remembrance Day services ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES T he annual Remembrance Day service takes place at Glenwood Centre. Typically well- attended each year, it is often standing-room only so organizers are advising people to arrive early. “Everyone must be seated by 10:30 a.m.,” said Tim Murphy, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 293. “We have seating capacity for 1,000 so if you want a good seat, get there early.” The ceremony will begin shortly before 11 a.m. with Bruce Proudfoot as emcee. Representing the Mothers of Canada will be Anita Fournier. On stage, the Army and Sea Cadets will man the cenotaph as the traditional laying of the wreaths proceeds. Following the ceremony, anyone wishing to is invited to follow a cavalcade to local cemeteries for additional laying of wreaths. Services will be held at The Field of Honour Greenwood Cemetery, hon- ouring world war and Korean veterans, the Native Cemetery, honouring world war veterans and the Harbour Quay Cenotaph, honouring Merchant Navy veterans. The Legion members welcome the public to attend an open house at the Legion Branch 293 Hall at Victoria Quay for an afternoon of refresh- ments and camaraderie. [email protected]250-723-8171 emembrance Day November 11
Transcript
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGIONLEGION REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
GLENWOOD CENTRE
Following the Glenwood Centre Ceremony, Services will be held at:The Field of Honour Greenwood Cemetery honouring World War & Korean Veterans.
The Harbour Quay Cenotaph honouring theMerchant Navy Veterans & The Schan Family
ALBERNI VALLEY
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11TH, 10:30 am(Please be seated by 10:15 am)
REMEMBRANCE DAY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | 1B
Lest We Forget
Every year the number of veterans we have with us decreases. It is important that their stories are not forgotten. In an effort to bridge the gap between generations, the Vast Education
Centre and members of the Royal Canadian Legion in Port Alberni gathered earlier this month. The veterans shared their experiences, and now the students will share their reflections of this meaningful meeting in the following pages. The images on this page are just two of the contributed pieces from the students and teachers at Vast. The rest follow in this special section of the Alberni Valley Times.[CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: CARLEY EDGAR, KAMA CALLICUM AND NATASHA FAUST]
Remembrance Day services
ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
The annual Remembrance Day service takes place at Glenwood Centre. Typically well-attended each year, it is often standing-room
only so organizers are advising people to arrive early.
“Everyone must be seated by 10:30 a.m.,” said Tim Murphy, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 293. “We have seating capacity for 1,000 so if you want a good seat, get there early.”
The ceremony will begin shortly before 11 a.m. with Bruce Proudfoot as emcee. Representing the Mothers of Canada will be Anita Fournier. On stage, the Army and Sea Cadets will man the cenotaph as the traditional laying of the wreaths proceeds.
Following the ceremony, anyone wishing to is invited to follow a cavalcade to local cemeteries for additional laying of wreaths. Services will be held at The Field of Honour Greenwood Cemetery, hon-ouring world war and Korean veterans, the Native Cemetery, honouring world war veterans and the Harbour Quay Cenotaph, honouring Merchant Navy veterans.
The Legion members welcome the public to attend an open house at the Legion Branch 293 Hall at Victoria Quay for an afternoon of refresh-ments and camaraderie.
Where and when did you serve? The Queen’s Own Rifle Regiment, 1954-1958; Middle East, Atomic Testing (Nevada Desert), 1957; Cold War, first Peacekeepers, 1956; Suez Canal, soldier of the 1950’s Atomic Age. Radiation killed many people. War is devastating. Many people were treated like lab
rats by exposure and got cancer.
Where did you grow up? Cold-water, Ont.
What were you like as a teen-ager? He played junior hockey, loved Maple Leaf Gardens, and he was in cadets in high school.
Why did you join the war effort? How old were you? He was in Grade 10, he left school.
Never got along with school so went to the Army at 17. Wanted something to do. His parents said either go to school or join the Army, so he dropped out.
What do you want our gen-eration to know? What we went through to help make this world a better place. Military does things to help us down the road. That the military does something to change the future. War is devastating.
What did you learn from your experiences? He learned about atomic bombs.
If you had to do it all again, would you make the same deci-sions? Yes, I would. It’s a differ-ent life. Would not want to do atomic work. Those three years were a lifetime.
How did your parents, friends, or significant other react to you joining the war effort? Proud, but his mom wanted different for him. It was a common thing to do.
Why is Remembrance Day important to you? People don’t always come home. It’s import-ant to appreciate what people have done for you. Taking some time to remember the guys that put their lives on the line.
Interviewers: Ben Salitter, Lisa Fryer, Karley Scheffers and Hea-ther Wesley.
2B | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 REMEMBRANCE DAY
We Honour OurVeterans & all thoseserving our country
4779 Roger Street, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 3Z3Phone: (250) 723-6442 • Facsimile (250) 723-1941
Thank you to our veterans formaking this a safe place to be.
Pat Kermeen
3101 Bird Avenue 250-723-0111
Remembrance DayWewillneverforget
CanadianAlberniEngineering
Leaving for WWI from the E & N Station, Alberni, 1914,AVM PN00854
See our historic photos atportalberni.pastperfect-online.com
Alberni Valley Museum:Preserving
Your Memories
To all our menand women who
have fought & giventheir lives for our
freedom, and to all thosecourageous Canadian
Forces’ Members who arestill doing so today, please
know how very thankful we are;and that we honour you all andyour families, for the hardships
that you endure, both at home andon foreign soil. “Thank you” will never be
enough; we owe you so much!
From Anke and Detlev, and Staff
Paulette’s Cleaning Services Ltd.Specialized in Janitorial
If it’s a Mess...Get the Best!
Phone Toll Free 1-855-424-6940
‘War is devastating’
Vast student Ben Salitter, left, and Vast teacher/advisor Lisa Fryer, back, interview veteran Alan Bunt at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 293 in Port Alberni. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
Veteran Alan Bunt shares his story
by Colton
REMEMBRANCE DAY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | 3B
In Remembranceand
Appreciation
For ThoseWho Served
On Remembrance Day, letus always remember the
bravery and sacrifice of themany men and women whofought and died to preserve
and ensure our freedom.
4890 Cherry Creek Road, West Entrancewww.coulsongroup.com
4305-10th Avenue 250-723-3824
Paint Centre Ltd.
3945B Johnston RdPort Alberni, BC
V9Y 5N4250-720-4515
Scott Fraser MLAAlberni-Pacific Rim
They FoughtFor OurFreedom
Nuu-chah-nulthTribal Council
We honour the memory of thosewho gave the ultimate sacrifice
Where and when did you serve? He joined in 1950, served for 15 years in the Navy, spent 10 years in Halifax and five years in Vic-toria – Esquimalt to Hawaii, 1965.
Where did you grow up? Born in Kenora, Ont.
What were you like as a teen-ager? How are things different for us? He had a tough time in high school and left after Grade 10. He had desire to travel. Tech-nology is more advanced today. We get instant information now because of technology. Things weren’t like that back then.
Why did you join the war effort? How old were you? His ship was sent to Korea and he was on the HMCS Crusader at ago 19 in 1950.
What do you want our genera-tion to know? It’s important to remember what happened.
What is one thing you learned from your experience? To be disciplined, good hygiene, how to take orders. How to look after yourself at times is difficult. Obtained a lot of certificates.
How did your parents, friends, or significant other react to
you joining the war effort? His mother didn’t approve of it and was really bothered. Mother was upset, father was very impressed.
If you had to do it all over again, would you make the same decisions? Yes, he would do it again.
Why is Remembrance Day important to you? It’s important to remember the fallen soldiers and to hope Canada doesn’t get involved with war again. Remember the ones who sac-rificed. Remember people who fought in the First and Second World Wars. Enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Interviewers: Jayden Coes and Colton Frechette.
‘Enjoy the freedoms we have today’Veteran Bill Cherwak, now 83, joined the Navy in 1950
Vice-president Nick Seredick, left, and student Tyler Clarke, back, interview veteran Bill Cherwak. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
Bill Cherwak, right, is interviewed by Vast students Colton Frechette, left, and Jaydon Coes for this special Remembrance Day section. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
by Izaac Osbourne
In Flanders fi elds In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place: and in the
skyThe larks still bravely singing flyScarce 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 lieIn Flanders fields!
Take up our quarrel with the foeTo you, from failing hands, we
throwThe torch: be yours to hold it highIf ye break faith with us who die,We shall not sleep, though poppies
growIn Flanders fields
BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN MCCRAE
Veteran: Tom Edmondson Current age: 91 Where and when did you
serve? Nineteen when joined. He was an Air Force pilot from 1943 to 1945. Spent three years in Air Force, only two years flying. Discharged in 1945. Flew out of Newfoundland.
Where did you grow up? Winni-
peg, Man. Moved lots. Left there
when he was 17.
What were you like as a teen-ager? How are things different for us? Worked in the Hudson Bay Fur Trade. Also enjoyed curling. Technology is very dif-ferent for us now.
Why did you join the war
effort? How old were you? It was the thing to do. Joined in 1943 at age 19. His father was in the First World War and all sons in the
Second World War. Older brother in Air Force and younger brother in Army. Interesting facts: Made an attack at one submarine, but missed. Twelve hours up in the air. Undercarriage fell off while taking off, full tank of gas slid to the end of runway.
What do you want our genera-
tion to know? Our generation scares him.
What is one thing you learned
from your experience? Learned how to fly. Learned how to take orders. Learned how to obey.
How did your parents, friends,
or significant other react to you joining the war effort? Parents were proud. Rather pleased the war was over and he went to Halifax and Nova Scotia, where he met his wife.
If you had to do it all over again, would you make the same decisions? Oh yeah. He wished he could have stayed flying. No regrets.
Why is Remembrance Day important to you? Important to remember the people who didn’t come back. He lost a lot of friends. Remember the ones who didn’t come back.
Interviewers: Karley Scheffers, Heather Wesley, Chyanne Leonew and Ivy Nichols.
4B | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 REMEMBRANCE DAY
Open 8 am - 9 pm daily. Free Delivery for Seniors. 4647 Johnston Rd., Port Alberni 250-723-4811
• TIRES • BRAKES • EXHAUST SYSTEMS• FRONT END REPAIRS
“LEST WE FORGET”4938 Dunbar St. 250-724-4465
Pearson Tire Ltd.
Never Forgotten!ALPORT INSURANCE
AGENCIES INC.
3767-10th Avenue Plaza Fax: 250-723-4585
250-723-2545
3100 3rd Avenue250-720-4488
7585 Pacific Rim Hwy.250-724-7100
® Registered Trademarks of Bank of Montreal
Honouring all the veterans who served andsacrificed so that we may know freedom.
Thank them this Remembrance Day.
Supporting the2014 Poppy Campaign
“Where children learn tolove & love to learn”
John Paul II Catholic School4006 - 8th Avenue 250-723-0637
Taketime to
rememberthose who
servedfor us
NOVEMBER 11, 2014
Veteran has ‘no regrets’
Vast students Natasha Faust, left, and Silvia Dennis, middle, interview veteran Thomas Edmondson. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
Tom Edmonson joined Air Force at 19
by Kama Callicum
REMEMBRANCE DAY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | 5B
• Wills• Mortgages• Estate Planning• Land Transactions
Canada Remembers!4904 Montrose Street 250-724-0171
LOCAL 1-85
250-724-52213120-2nd Avenue
‘LestWeForget’
Saluting Our Veterans
enexfuels.ca250.731.3639
Veteran: Winnie Koal
Current age: 80
Where and when did you serve? 1952-1956
Where did you grow up? Port Alberni.
What were you like as a teen-ager? How are things different for us? Shy in a way. Loved school.
What do you want our genera-tion to know? They didn’t have what we have today. What it was like on the home front.
What is one thing you learned from your experience? Comrade-ship. Friendship. The importance of working together.
How did your parents, friends, or significant other react to you joining the war effort? They were very happy.
If you had to do it all again, would you make the same deci-sions? Not the way it is today, bearing arms for women.
Why is Remembrance Day important to you? Remember the ones who sacrificed.
Interviewer: Keith Jokinen Veteran Winnie Koal, left, is interviewed by Natasha Faust, Silvia Dennis and Alberni School District trustee Pam Craig. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
BY WINNIE KOAL
I sold tickets for Halloween at 25 cents a ticket with proceeds going to “Milk for Britain.” On Halloween, we would dress up in costumes and go to the Athletic Hall for a costume parade with treats and lots of fun.
My brother and I were dressed in burlap sack rags to reflect the lives of children in war-torn Europe. Our placard read, “Save The Children.” We also had a parade in the Capitol The-atre and were treated to a free show. I was dressed as a milk bottle made out of light card-board with the theme “Milk for Britain.”
After Pearl Harbour was bombed, things changed. People were scared that the Island would be invaded by Japan. Had blackout from dusk to dawn. No lights could show out of any window in the home and the streets were almost empty except for patrols that made sure orders were obeyed.
There were also ration cards per family. Such things as sugar, gas, butter, meat, coffee and eggs we rationed. There was a Japanese laundry where Dairy Queen is now situated. Also a fishing fleet.
One day, the laundry was all boarded up and the fishing fleet gone. During the night, the fam-ilies were all taken and interned in the interior. Even those who were Canadian, all their pos-sessions were seized by the government.
Our home was also searched by agents as my dad immigrat-ed from Germany in 1930. He became a Canadian citizen in 1935. The reason for the search was to see if he was a sympa-thizer to the enemy, Germany.
His store windows, in the building that formerly housed Taylor’s Flowers and is now Animal Ark on Third Avenue, were painted with large swas-tika signs with black paint.
In war, no one is left unscathed.
I joined the RCAF in July of 1952 after finishing school at Alberni District Secondary School. I joined a contingent in Vancouver by train, on our way to St. Jean, Que. for basic training. There we were marked to stores for our uniform and bedding.
There we learned to march, make the bed, polish shoes and read our daily routine orders. We lined up for everything.
We’re so busy getting ready for the next day so there was not much socializing. Lights out and bed check at 10 p.m. and after eight weeks, we graduated. From St. Jean’s, everyone went to a different base for courses we were to take.
The majority of us went to Clinton, Ont. to be trained as fighter control operators. We learned to read weather maps, read plotting aircraft was on a large table with a grid, with info from the radar scope we would have arrows with a stick to point out the aircraft’s position.
After eight weeks, we had our
final exams and then posted to a different radar station. They were mostly in Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick.
I was posted to Chatham and then St. Margaret’s, N.B. With basic training and school fin-ished, I had no more bed checks or every day marching and marching only Fridays instead of every day.
We were all on shift work. We had exercises with the USAF from Bangor, Maine, usually at night when there was no other aircraft in the area. We did what we learned in Clinton. If there was an unidentified aircraft, the crew chief officer made the decision what to do if the pilot did not identify himself and the
aircraft.In April, 1954, I was trans-
ferred to Germany and to the Telecom section as a switch operator. Got my training for that also at Clinton. Those that spoke German went to No. 3 wing – Zweig Bruchen and No. 4 wing – Bad-Soeligen. Those that spoke French went to No. 2 wing – Grotonquin and Metz-Frankle.
All the bases were in the American zone. We had 30 days leave each year. Christ-mas-Jingle personnel worked New Years. Married personnel worked. We had our Christmas dinner catered to by the officers, something we always looked forward to.
‘Remember the ones who sacrifi ced’
Tseshaht MarketGateway to the Pacific Rim
7851 Pacific Rim Hwy.
250-724-3944www.tseshahtmarket.ca
WE SALUTE OURVETERANS
Remembrance
DayNOVEMBER
11, 2014
2945 - 3rd Avenue • 250-724-4244
Remember Our Veterans
Canada Strong
Winnie Koal: War years on the home front in Port Alberni
Vast student Carley Edgar takes notes while veteran Winnie Koal shares her stories from the past. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
6B | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 REMEMBRANCE DAY
Member of the Canadian Investor Protection FundB-5262 Argyle Street Port Alberni, BC • 723-4970
Mitch Gardner, CFP
Marilyn KoehleProperty Manager/Realtor
4994 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V7250-723-5666
Mid-Island RealtyEach office is independently owned & operated
Than
k You Grampa Sam! Sargeant Observer; RCAF
Please RememberAll Quality Foods Stores Will Be ClosedTuesday, November 11th
to honour those who gave their service,their futures and their lives
Slots • Bingo • Dining4890 Cherry Creek Road, Port AlberniCall 250-724 -ROCK (7625) or visit us online at www.chances.ca
Chances Rimrock@chancesrimrock
Veteran: Ralph Mortensen Current age: 87 Where and when did you
serve? He joined RCAF Air Force in 1950 on his 18th birthday.
Where did you grow up?
Edmonton, AB.
Why did you join the war effort? How old were you? He couldn’t join university because he had no money, so he joined the military for education during the beginning of the Cold War.
What do you want our genera-
tion to know? To make sure there are no more wars. We have one
Earth, one planet. Also to know about the Read and Feed Pro-gram – breakfast and story.
What were you like as a teenager? How are things dif-ferent for us? He was raised in two world wars. He distributed papers and worked on a farm in the summer. Everyone worked. He wasn’t allowed to enter a bar until he joined the Army. He enjoyed dances and big bands.
What is one thing you learned
from your experience? It’s best to get an education. He regretted not finishing school, so he even-tually did.
How did your parents, friends,
or significant other react to you joining the war effort? He always did what he wanted to. His four younger sisters sold all of his clothes because they thought he wouldn’t return home.
If you had to do it all over again, would you make the same decisions? Yes, he would. No regrets. He went back to Ontario and taught electronic school. Got out and enjoyed his life.
Why is Remembrance Day important to you? To remember the fallen.
Interviewers: Jaydon Coes, Chy-anne Leonew and Ivy Nichols.
Veteran: James Thomas Price (Tom Price)
Current age: 91
Where and when did you serve? Italy and Europe (Hol-land). Calvary Tanks. Dieppe Raid, 1941-1945.
Where did you grow up? Belle-
ville, AB (Born in Hillcrest)
What were you like as a teen-ager? How are things different for us? He was a good boy who
stayed out of trouble. He was raised in a family of 10.
What do you want our genera-
tion to know? We lost a lot of people to get what we have now. We are free.
Why did you join the war
effort? How old were you? Didn’t really know what he was signing up for. Got signed up, even though was under age when in Grade 9.
What is one thing you learned from your experience? Enjoy life
now. You don’t live forever. Do what you want to do. Go out and see the world. Believe your life is laid out for you.
What do you want our genera-tion to know? Enjoy this world. Enjoy your life. Go places, see everything.
How did your parents, friends, or significant other react to you joining the war effort? His family didn’t react to it. He left before anyone said anything. They didn’t say much. His par-ents were very proud.
If you had to do it all again, would you make the same deci-sions? Yes. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not sure. To meet my wife, yes. To go through war, no.
Why is Remembrance Day important to you? We’re very fortunate. Freedom: To see people enjoying their lives. Help to realize how lucky we are today. But brings back mem-ories of the Dieppe Raid, Battle of Casino (Tank Battle, where I was an engineer on a bridge), and Sal Leondardo (Tank Battle). Seeing the bodies in the water is the worst thing I ever experienced. It’s important to respect all the heroes who died for our freedom.
Interviewers: Brayden Arsen-ault, Keith Jokinen, Evan Fyfe, Ben Salitter and Lisa Fryer.
Ralph Mortensen, left, is interviewed by Vast students Ivy Nichols and Chyanne Leonew. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
Brayden Arsenault, left, and Evan Fyfe, right, interview veteran Tom Price. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
AlwAysRemembeR…that they left their homes, their families
and friends to help those in need, and
protect our way of life.
3486 - 4th Ave.250-723-3889
‘Respect heroes who died for our freedom’
‘Remember the fallen’
Tom Price advises today’s youth to enjoy life, see the world
Ralph Mortensen joined Air Force on his 18th birthday
by Natasha Faust
by Keith Jokinen
REMEMBRANCE DAY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | 7B
PORT ALBERNI & DISTRICTLABOUR COUNCIL
3940 Johnston Rd. 250-724-1139
Pacific Rim Shopping Centre #311-3555 Johnston Rd., Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8K2Tel: 250 723 2918 Fax: 250 723 1716 www.cccu.ca Toll Free: 1 877 392 4400
4573 Merrifield St., Port Alberni 250-724-2021
Thank youto the
Veterans
In Memory of my father, and allthose who served our Countrythroughout the ages. We are allblessed to be able to live in suchan amazing place.Our Heartfelt Thanks.Sergeant Francis (Frank)Gallagher - served in the SecondWorld War from 1939 to 1946as Crew Commander of the 9thCanadian Armored Regiment.
TERRI ST. JACQUESOwner/Broker
Mid Island Financial250-724-9907Independently Owned & Operated
Honoring ourVeteransHonoring ourVeterans
Take Time to RememberThey shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning,We will remember them.
- Robert Laurence Binyon
Alberni Valley Lions Club
Veteran: Robert “Scotty” Watson
Current age: 87 Where and when did you
serve? He joined in 1943. Went to Egypt for a year. In 1937, Ger-many attacked France. Amer-icans came into the war in 1944. He was in the Army for six years as a wireless operator.
Where did you grow up? Scot-
land. Moved to Canada at age 25.
What were you like as a teen-ager? How are things different for us? Went to school and worked. Fight for your rights. Joined the army at age 15. We jumped when we were given orders back then. Communications are very differ-ent now. Can communicate all over the world now.
Why did you join the war
effort? How old were you? Fifteen when joined because he wanted to help. Going to fight in war was common. War office in London.
What do you want our gen-
eration to know? He doesn’t want any more violence. If it wasn’t for them going to war, we
wouldn’t be here today. This gen-eration has had freedom since they were babies.
What is one thing you learned
from your experience? How to listen: If they said it, you do it. Discipline. When you were
told to do something, you did it. Think of others and fellow sol-diers. I am forever thankful.
How did your parents, friends,
or significant other react to you joining the war effort? He doesn’t remember if they were
upset or proud.
If you had to do it all again, would you make the same deci-sions? The other guys made the decisions. I was very obedient.
What does Remembrance Day
mean to you? I am grateful to be here, and not among the 14,000 soldiers lying in Flanders Fields. We cannot forget them.
Interviewers: Karley Scheffers, Heather Wesley and Chyanne Leonew.
Veteran: Tony Wedam
Current age: 53
Where did you serve? Canada (Ottawa, Edmonton, Wainwright, Suffield), tour in Syria, Bos-nia, Afghanistan, Israel from 1979-2011.
Where did you grow up? Born and raised on Sixth Avenue and Redford Street in Port Alberni.
What were you like as a teen-ager? How are things different for us? Fairly quiet, but also outgoing and athletic. Was in Sea Cadets. Did odd jobs and worked at Solda’s. Kids are more lazy today because of technology.
Why did you join the war effort? How old were you?
I was 18. I dropped out of school and couldn’t find a job. Joined because he wanted to progress from Cadets.
What do you want our genera-tion to know? Know world peace, which is wonderful. Understand the past so you can have a better future. It is important to keep world peace.
What is one thing you
learned from your experience? The military is one big family, wherever they go, they should
experience good things.
How did your parents, friends, or significant other react to you joining the war effort? Mom was glad/sad to see him go. She thought it would be good for him.
If you had to do it all over again, would you make the same decisions? Yes, he would.
Why is Remembrance Day important to you? Remember what sacrifices were done in the past, so we can have a better future. Because we recognize people who sacrificed and gave up everything to protect us. It’s good for people to remember.
Interviewers: Keith Jokinen and Jaydon Coes.
Huu-ay-ahtFirst Nations
A Rich History, A Bright Futuu re
‘World peace’ is important
Brayden Arsenault, left, and Evan Fyfe, middle, take notes while interviewing veteran Tony Wedam. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
Vast students interview veteran Tony Wedam
by Chyanne Leonew
‘We cannot forget’ the fallen
Vast student Karley Scheffers, left, teacher Susan Salmon, second from left, and student Heather Wesley, right, interview veteran Robert Watson. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
I think we should have stu-dents interview the veterans
next year so other kids can have the same experience that we had this year. I learned that these people, just like us, went to war to fight for our freedom and sacrificed their lives. Many of them were our exact age when they signed up, which I found surprising.
When we were interviewing the veterans, many showed powerful emotions when they were telling their stories. I could almost see the stories in their faces.
Remembrance Day is import-ant to me because it’s important that I remember what they did for us. To keep on remembering each year how scared they were, and what they went through.
by Natasha Faust, 16-year-old Vast student
It is important to remember because the veterans made
sacrifices to let us go to school in freedom today.
by Evan Fyfe, 17-year-old Vast student
I’m honoured to have had the chance to hear the veterans’
stories. I learned that atomic bomb explosions where a lot smaller then than they would be today. We can’t have world destruction and need to do everything we can to prevent it.
by Heather Wesley, 17-year-old Vast student
It was such a rewarding day for all of us to share this great
experience with our students, engaging in conversation with the veterans and seeing their involvement with real meaning.
Yes, it puts a tear in your eye and a lump in your throat to hear the real life stories and the journeys of these courageous individuals. They still have such humour, but yet great spirit, strength and wisdom of the past history.
It is because of these brave souls that we, as Canadians, are in the place we are today. This experience for me only empha-sized… as one Veteran said, “that war has no purpose. War only destroys lives and leaves people destitute.”
This was a tremendous learn-ing curve and connection for our Vast students. One that will not be forgotten, only to be remembered.
by Susan Salmon, Vast youth care worker
I was fortunate enough to be one of the teacher’s attending
the “Interview the Vets” event at our local legion.
Initially, I thought I would be focusing more on modeling for our students on how to ask questions and interact with the vets, but as we got to talking to our first veteran, Alan Bunt, I soon became so engaged with his story that when it came time to switch groups, I wasn’t a very good role model because my stu-dent partner and I didn’t budge.
His story of being a part of a group of young soldiers who were secretly sent to the Nevada Desert to test atomic bombs during the Cold War was absolutely riveting. It was so unbelievable that these young Canadian boys were sent to basically be guinea pigs to test the effects of multiple atomic bombs to see if the soldiers could still fight after being exposed to these bombs at vary-ing distances.
He was a very eloquent speak-er and was so willing to share such detailed, but traumatic, memories. He recommends that people watch the documentary, “Time Bombs,” which is about their powerful story. We could have talked with him all day, but, alas, we were “forced” to switch groups and follow the rules.
I am very glad we did because our second vet, Tom Price, had a very different, but just as power-ful, story to tell. He talked about
how he came to be enlisted in the Army, which turned out to be really by chance as he was walking home one day and was picked up by someone he knew who was going to “sign up.”
He ended up enlisting at 14-15 (someone fudged his age for him) and not really knowing what he had signed up for. I think this is probably some-thing that happened to many young soldiers during the First and Second World Wars, per-haps not really knowing what they were getting into.
He described the horrible memories of the Diepp Raid that he said will be painfully etched in his memory forever. Despite all that he has been through, he was such an inspir-ation: giving us advice to “enjoy your life, go places, see every-thing” and he really is walking the talk.
At 92 years old, with two knee replacements, he still golfs everyday he can and has a posi-tive outlook on life. He said that as horrific as some of his experi-ences were, when asked if he would change any decisions he made in his life, he said both yes and no. Yes – because he would not want anyone to go through war as he did, and No – because he got to meet his wonder-ful wife while being a soldier abroad and wouldn’t have met her otherwise.
In their own way, these two veterans made me realize that in amongst something as hor-rible as war, death and destruc-tion, some beautiful things can arise – true love, friendship and an appreciation for this pre-cious thing called life.
This experience was so power-ful for all of us involved and I felt honoured to have been a part of it. This is something that I hope we continue for years to come so our veteran’s stories live forever. “Lest we Forget.”
by Lisa Fryer, Vast teacher/advisor
I’m thankful I had the oppor-tunity to speak with three
veterans about their time spent in service for our country. Their stories deeply impacted me because they all left their fam-ilies to take part in helping their country.
Some of the veterans we interviewed were as old as the students who were asking them questions. This was a tremen-dous eye-opener for all of us.
After the immense toll the Great War had taken on human-ity, I was amazed that people would volunteer so quickly and courageously for their country with such great risk ahead of them.
Having a young family myself, I was emotionally struck by their stories of leaving for war and how, without the luxury of mod-ern technology, they never knew when they would be able to be in touch with their loved ones.
See PARTNERSHIP, Page 9B
8B | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 REMEMBRANCE DAY
RBC Royal Bank2925 3rd Ave, Port AlberniBC, V9Y 2A6
“But the freedom that theyfought for, and the countrygrand they wrought for, is theirmonument to-day, and for aye.”
NOVEMBER 11, 2014
On November 11th we rememberand give thanks to those who
fought and those who gave theultimate sacrifice for us and the
generations to follow
Always Remember
www.alberniglass.com(250) 723-3712
We are so glad for the safe return of all the Canadian Troopsand service men and women & we thank you again for yourunselfish dedication to protect us.
I’ll help you build a comprehensive financial plan.
Understanding You
TD Wealth Financial Planning is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.– Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.®/The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of the Toronto Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.
Ray Kasten CFP, MBAFinancial PlannerPort Alberni & Qualicum Beach
“Thank you to my Dad and all otherveterans for all you sacrificed for us...
We shall remember.”
Louis Wayte DFM
RAF Bomber Command Squadron 166 WWIIwww.finishingtouches.ca July 17, 1921 to May 16, 2014
Missing you and love you always
2955-3rd Avenue, Port Alberni 250-723-2951
Let us rememberand honour all of
our veterans!
by Keith
Why is Remembrance Day important to you?
PARTNERSHIP, from Page 8B
While these times were challen-ging for those in service, it was equally hard for the families they left behind. As difficult as the risk and their goodbyes were, the veterans felt their services were needed to ensure that their fam-ilies and future generations could live in a stable and ethical world.
The best part of the visit for me was the learning and connec-tions that happened for our stu-dents. All that was needed were a few tables, some chairs, and two different generations of people who understood the importance of their meeting.
No textbook or movie could generate the kind of impact and connection that was displayed throughout the interactions between the veterans and students. On our way out of the Legion, a student said to me that it’s one thing to proudly wear a poppy, but quite another to look a veteran in the eye, give them a handshake, and sincerely thank them for their service to our country.
This student now plans on visiting the Legion every year to offer his thanks. It’s comments like these that confirm to me the value of our meetings and how they allow for such rich informa-tion to be passed from one gen-eration to the next.
Thank you to all of our past and present servicemen, service-women, and their families for their tremendous sacrifice and courage in the face of uncertainty.
by Nick Seredick, SD70 Alternative Programs
vice principal
Remembrance Day holds spe-cial significance to me. It is
an opportunity to show respect for our Canadian military and to acknowledge the sacrifices they have made to protect our way of life.
My father served in the Second World War. Although he didn’t speak a lot about his experience, he certainly instilled in me the importance of never forgetting what our soldiers sacrificed for us. Today, as a school trustee, I encourage our students to learn as much as they can about the conflicts that Canadian soldiers have been a part of.
I feel it is critical our young people understand what it means for a soldier to put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow citizens. It is so important students know we must never forget.
by Pam Craig, SD70 board of education trustee
This partnership between the Vast Education Centre
and the Royal Canadian Legion Alberni Branch 293 is one of our most important projects each year, and I hold it close to my heart.
Now in our third year of work-ing together, (missing a year while on maternity leave) it is shocking to sit back and real-
ize that nine local veterans have now passed on since our first stu-dent/veteran interview four years ago.
I feel a sense of urgency to cre-ate connections between local teenagers and veterans and pro-viding opportunities to listen and record their experiences.
Voices are being lost from the Second World War, and we must make the time and effort to learn from our living history while we still can.
by Kama Callicum, Vast teacher/advisor
Connecting with the veter-ans has made history come alive for us, especially
given current events with two soldiers tragically killed on Can-adian soil.
Remembrance Day will hit a little bit closer to home this year for all of us because of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Offi-cer Patrice Vincent. Their deaths have hit my students particu-larly hard, especially those who are Cadets. As Canada moves forward on military action in Syria and Iraq, it is impossible to ignore the following statements from local veterans:
• Robert “Scotty” Watson doesn’t want anymore violence, but if it wasn’t for them going to war, we wouldn’t be here today.
• Alan Bunt said that what we went through made this world a better place, but war is devastating.
• Tony Wedham wants teen-agers to know world peace, which is wonderful. “It is import-ant to keep world peace.”
We will take time to pause on Nov. 11 and recall the words
from the veterans about why Remembrance Day is important to them:
• Tom Price: “It’s important to respect all the heroes who died for our freedom.”
• Tom Edmonson: “It’s import-ant to remember the people who didn’t come back. I lost a lot of friends.”
• Ralph Mortensen: “To remem-
ber the fallen.” • Winnie Koal: “To remember
the ones who sacrificed.” • Bill Cherwak: “It’s important
to remember the fallen soldiers and to hope Canada doesn’t get involved with war again.”
To the Vast students, thank you for your tremendous
respect and thoughtful contribu-tions of art and writing. Thank you to Nick Seredick, Lisa Fryer, and Susan Salmon for support-ing our students through this unique experience. Thank you to school board trustees Pam Craig and Larry Ransom for being there.
To the Alberni Valley Times, thank you for documenting our dialogue and sharing our stories with our community. You ampli-fy the veterans’ and youths’ voices and provide our students with a real sense of accomplish-ment by seeing their work in print.
To the B.C. Retired Teachers’ Association, thank you for choos-ing our partnership to receive the ‘Golden Star’ Award and $1,000 grant to fund art supplies, a shared lunch together, and stu-dent volunteering and visits to the Field of Honour.
Thank you to Graham Fox and Sandy Patterson for your com-mitment to connecting high school students with veterans and supporting the art and writ-ing contests. We’d also like to thank Tim Murphy for oversee-ing our volunteering to sort the poppies and giving us a tour of the Legion, and to Barry Ward for the Field of Honour tour.
To the members of the local Legion, thank you for your time, honesty and courage to share your stories with our students. You made a lasting impression on all of us, and we felt instantly comfortable with you.
Seeing your spirited conversa-tions reminded me of grandpar-ents speaking gently with their grandchildren, many who are now the exact age you were when you joined the war effort.
We will never forget you. – Kama Callicum
REMEMBRANCE DAY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | 9B
Remember to pass it on sothat all Canadians will alwaysremember those who served
Southside Auto Supply Ltd.
Corner 4th & Bute 724-6591Corner 4th & Bute
In Remembranceof the brave sons and daughters ofPort Alberni who have served in ourarmed forces. Your sacrifice will notbe forgotten.
WeHonour our Heroes:
OurVeterans
WithHeartfeltThanks
To those who have served andthose who continue to serve.We appreciate your sacrifice.
www.macdermott.com
250-723-0633 • 4941 Johnston Rd.
Jo-Anne L. Asher
Forget them Not.Remembrance Day 2014
& her StaffNOTARY PUBLIC
Member
Sun-Thur 10:45-8.45Fri-Sat 10:45-9.45
4422 Gertrude250-723-6331
TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER
by Skyler Glenn
by Carlie Edgar
Sharing stories a positive experience for all involved
Lest we forget
SHERWYN R. WILLISBorn January 5th, 1919, in Bengough, Sas-katchewan, joined the Royal Canadian AirForce in 1939, and was shipped to England at-tached to the Royal Air Force as a wireless airgunner. He then served in North Africa andItaly, when he was shot down in 1944 overNaples, Italy. He was one of 2 crew memberswho survived the crash. He was hospitalizedwith a serious back injury, and returned toCanada in 1945, when the war ended.Sherwyn was a member of Legion No. 13branch for 45 years. Sherwyn married ClaraA. Cousins in 1947 and moved to Port Alberniwhere he worked as an electrician in the millsuntil retirement.Fondly Remembered: H. Mallory, D. Willis. P& D Hanlin.
CLEMENT, Leandre W.(Leon)
Leandre was born in Saint Boniface,Manitoba on December 23, 1919. Heenlisted with 2nd Canadian ArmoredBrigade Workshop in Winnipeg on May20, 1941 at the age of 21. Leon was oneof many soldiers who landed in Franceon June 6, 1944 (D-Day) at 8:10AM heserved in Belgium, France, Hollandand Oldenburg Germany. Over theyears Leon and many of his R.C.E.M.E.war buddies took turns hosting annualreunions throughout parts of Canada.Leon was a Life Member and the longeststandingmember of The Royal CanadianLegion, Branch #169, Port Alberni B.C.
REINHOLD “RAY”STERN
December 1, 1924 ~October 21, 1992
Stationed Overseas Discharged 1944
“A gentle soul, his words were fewA man of great worth as his family grew
A working man, his skills were manyGenerosity a must, his gifts were plenty
Raised his voice only in laughter and songFelt a good family is the best way to get alongRemembered in death with the respect he did
earnThis man we all love called Ray Stern.”
by son-in-law Rick McCully
ALBERT HUFFPRIVATE
Born in Altario Alberta (1920). Albertleft the family farm at age 21, to enlistin the army. He wanted to join his olderbrother Andrew, who was serving.(killed in action July 17/1943 Sicily).Private Huff attended the CanadianInfantry Training Centre in CamroseAlberta (Platoon “9 company N. 1311941) before joining the Canadian Armyand served overseas during WW2. Hemoved to Port Alberni in 1950.Past member of the Somass BranchN. 169 Royal Canadian legion. Todaywe would like to honour him and thelegacies of the soldiers who fought anddied as well as the ones who fought andlived - so we could be free.
ROBERT ALEXANDERFERGUSON
Was born July 17, 1924 in VancouverBC.He came to Port Alberni in the early1900’s. Bob joined the army, Queen’sOwn Cameron Highlanders at eigh-teen years of age. He went overseasand was seriously wounded.
SIDNEY JOHNSEYMOUR
SergeantJoined Canadian Armed Forces in April1941. Member of the “Rocky MountainRangers” Platoon #19, first platoon toland on Kisha August 15 1943 to Febru-ary 28 1944, official discharge May 221944.Member of the Royal Canadian Legionfor 69 years. Currently living in Port Al-berni.
CARL “CHUCK” PRUSJoined the service when he was 16 yearsold and was discharged in 1944. Chuckserved in London, Belgium, & Nijmegen(Holland), Chuck also was a member ofboth the Port Alberni Branch #169 andTaber Alberta Branch #20 Royal Cana-dian Legion.
JAMES (JIM) B.PETERSON
Canadian Merchant NavyJim joined the Canadian Merchant Navyin December 1943 at 15 years of age, firstserving on the Empress of Scotland asBridge boy. His many voyages includeddestinations in South Africa, India, Bur-ma, England, Australia and China, oftenin convoys with other ships.Jim was very proud to have served inthe Merchant Navy for his Country. Hefelt it was important for people to un-derstand the crucial part the MerchantNavy played in the support of the alliedtroops overseas.
PETER ANDEROSOVJoined the Merchant Navy at a veryyoung age as he was too young to jointhe Canadian Armed Forces. He servedthroughout WWII helping to deliveressential supplies for the war effort.He survived a torpedo attach on hisfreighter (which sank) and spent manydays on a lifeboat before being rescued.He retired from the Merchant Navy in1948 to work for MacMillan Bloedel atthe Somass Mill where he stayed untilhis retirement.
JOHN TEREPOSKYPRIVATE
Service Rank #: K49043Enlisted in the Canadian Army onJanuary 1st 1943, served in Canada,Britain and Central MediterraneanArea, Honourable discharge March 21,1946 Vancouver, BC.John received the following medalsand decorations: 1939-45 Star, Italy Star,Defence Medal, Canadian VolunteerService Meal with Clasp and War Medal1939-45
DENIS SAUVÉDenis Sauvé moved to Port Alberni in 2001after working as part of a counter-terrorismtaskforce based out of Ottawa, Ont. Hiswife, Laureen is from Chemainus. Theyhave two grown daughters, one son and twogranddaughters.Cpt. Denis Sauvé returned from the Mount-ies in January after 27 and a half years of ser-vice. Sauvé 49 served three tours of duty inHaiti in the 1990’s when that country was intransition to democracy. He said he learneda lot about how communities are built fromthe ground up.Sauvé’s experience in the poverty-strickenCaribbean island country makes him grate-ful for the quality of life that we have onVancouver Island.Denis Sauvé was also a Legion Member.
TED McGILLRCD and Military Police
Joined the Canadian Armed Forces in1988 as a crewman with the Royal Ca-nadian Dragoons. During this timehe completed three tours of duty eachconsisted of 6 to 8 month deployments.Upon return from his last deployment asa crewman, he remustered to The Mili-tary Police Branch, where he enjoyeddomestic police duties and the time em-ployed as a criminal investigator. After arewarding career and reaching the rankof Sgt and retired to Port Alberi. He nowvolunteers as Rescue specialist and Cox-swain with the Royal Canadian MarineRescue Unit here in P.A.
10B | ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 REMEMBRANCE DAY
![Remembrance day[1]](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/58a329201a28ab71398b609d/remembrance-day1.jpg)
