Special Features - Remembrance Day 2012

The Valley Echo Wednesday, November 7, 2012

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Remembrance Day IN FLANDERS FIELDS 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.

John McCrae

“LET PEACE BE THEIR MEMORIAL” The presidents and members of the

ROyAL CAnAdIAn LEgIOn

Branch #71, Windermere District and Branch #199, Edgewater invite your participation in their joint services of Remembrance

Sunday, november 11, 2012 In memory of more than 117,000 Fallen Comrades Boer War 1899-1902 WWI 1914-1918 • WWII 1939-1945 Korea 1950-1953 Afghanistan • Peacekeepers InvERMERE 10:30 a.m.

10:35 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

11:35 a.m.

12 p.m.

Parade forms outside Legion Parade moves to Cenotaph Park Parade leaves Cenotaph Park Parade dismisses at Legion Reception at Legion

EdgEwATER 3.30 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:40 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Those wishing to pick up wreaths to be placed at the Cenotaph, please do so at the Legion: 10 a.m. Invermere 3:15 p.m. Edgewater

THE ROyAL CAnAdIAn LEgIOn wOuLd LIkE TO THAnk THE gEnERAL PuBLIC fOR THE gEnEROuS dOnATIOnS TO THE POPPy fund.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012 The Valley Echo

Each November, Poppies blossom on the lapels and collars of over half of Canada’s entire population. Since 1921, the Poppy has stood as a symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations. The Poppy also stands internationally as a “symbol of collective reminiscence”, as other countries have also adopted its image to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Celebrating the 'Birth of a Nation' Remembering the legendary veterans who fought for a free Canada THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Special to The Valley Echo

At 0530 hours on the morning of 9 April 1917, the Battle of Vimy Ridge began, marking an important milestone in our military history.

For the next few days, Canadian troops fought relentlessly, braving enemy forces, a heavily-fortified ridge and the weather.

This battle was significant; not only was it a resounding success for Canada but, in the words of Brigadier-General A.E. Ross, it marked the “birth of a nation”.

No longer would Canada be overshadowed by the military strength of her allies. This battle had proven Canada’s ability as a formidable force in the theatre of war.

The bravery, discipline and sacrifice that Canadian troops displayed during those few days are now legendary. The battle represented a memorable unification of

Echo file photo

our personnel resources as troops from all Canadian military divisions, from all parts of Canada and from all walks of life, joined to collectively overcome the powerful enemy at considerable odds. Our troops united to defeat adversity and a military threat to the world.

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

Cynthia Ozick

Now, decades later, Canadians stand united in their Remembrance as they recognize and honour the selfless acts of our troops from all wars. We realize that it is because of our war veterans that we exist as a proud and free nation.

Today, when people from all parts of

Praising what is lost makes the remembrance dear.

-William Shakespeare

Canada and from all walks of life join together in their pledge to never forget, they choose to display this collective reminiscence by wearing a Poppy.

They stand united as Canadians sharing a common history of sacrifice and commitment.

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The Valley Echo Wednesday, November 7, 2012

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World War II veteran retired to Columbia Valley Cranbrook native joined Canadian air force at 20 years old STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

For World War II veteran Jim Ashworth, joining the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1941 was an obvious choice.

"Well, we were needed of course," said Ashworth. "I'd just finished high school and was working up at the park, and all my friends joined, and we thought we better go and get this over with, so we joined up. That was the general atmosphere anyway."

At the age of 20, Ashworth, a native of Cranbrook, would begin his training in Canada as a pilot in January before being shipped to England in November of the same year.

Ashworth had never flown before joining the RCAF, but after spending a year in England, he was sent to Southeast Asia for the Burma Campaign, which was part of the Asia-Pacific War of WWII. "I didn't really want to go that far, but you didn't have

SUBMITTED PHOTO WWII veteran Jim Ashworth is seen here in this picture from 1956. The photo was taken in Saskatoon just prior to Ashworth taking a course in flying CF-100 Canuck jet interceptors and fighters that were used throughout the Cold War.

much choice; they were short of pilots and you had to go," said Ashworth, who went on

to become a squadron leader.

"Some of the decisions, you did what the higher authority told

you to do."

He would end up flying 90 hours during the Burma Cam-

“When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?”

-George Canning

Never forget.

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Lest we forget.

paign before being sent back to Canada near the tail-end of 1944. Arriving back in Canada was a huge relief, as some of his strongest war memories were of the poor living conditions pilots would sometimes have to live with.

The end of the war was "exhilarating," said Ashworth.

He then stayed on with the RCAF for a total of 26 years until retiring in 1966.

During that time Ashworth was also posted at a radar station in Tofino on Vancouver Island as part of a distant early-warning system that saw radar stations all across the U.S. and Canada in case of a Soviet bomber attack during the Cold War. After retiring from the RCAF, Ashworth moved back to the East Kootenay where he coowned and operated the Hoodoos Mountain Resort for a number of years.

He regularly takes part in Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Columbia Valley and visits Windermere Elementary School each year as part of their ceremonies.

"It really warms things up for everybody," Ashworth said.

"The teachers do a great job in giving the kids the word."

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“But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye.”

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012 The Valley Echo

Canadian pens celebrated Flanders Field poem Death of a friend during fierce World War I battle inspired famous 15 lines THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Special to The Valley Echo

Lieutenant-Colonel McCrae was born on November 30, 1872 in Guelph, Ontario. At age 14, he joined the Highfield Cadet Corps and, three years later, enlisted in the Militia field battery. While attending the University of Toronto Medical School, he was a member of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.

With Britain declaring war on Germany on August 4, 1914, Canada’s involvement

was automatic. John McCrae was among the first wave of Canadians who enlisted to serve and he was appointed as brigade surgeon to the First John McCrae Brigade of the Canadian Forces Artillery.

In April 1915, John McCrae was stationed near Ypres, Belgium, the area traditionally called Flanders. It was there, during the Second Battle of Ypres, that some of the fiercest fighting of the First World War occurred. Working from a dressing station on the banks of the Yser Canal, dressing hundreds of wounded soldiers from wave after wave of relentless enemy attack, he observed

Echo file photo

how “we are weary in body and wearier in mind. The general impression in my mind is of a nightmare.”

In May 1915, on the day following the death of fellow soldier Lt. Alexis Helmer of Ottawa, John McCrae wrote his now famous work, an expression of his anguish over the loss of his friend and a reflection of his surroundings — wild poppies growing amid simple wooden crosses marking makeshift graves. These 15 lines written in 20 minutes, captured an exact description of the sights and sounds of the area around him.

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae left Ypres with these memorable few lines scrawled on a scrap of paper. His words were a poem which started, “In Flanders fields the poppies blow…”. Little did

he know then that these 15 lines would become enshrined in the innermost thoughts and hearts of all soldiers who hear them. Through his words, the scarlet poppy quickly became the symbol for soldiers who died in battle.

The poem was first published on December 8, 1915 in England, appearing in Punch magazine.

His poem speaks of Flanders fields, but the subject is universal — the fear of the dead that they will be forgotten, that their death will have been in vain. Remembrance, as symbolized by the poppy, is our eternal answer which belies that fear.

Sadly, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae died of pneumonia at Wimereux, France on January 28, 1918. He was 45 years old.

Echo file photo

In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

We remember.

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“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.”

- Thucydides

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“Our hopes are high.

Our faith in the people is great.

Our courage is strong.

And our dreams for this beautiful country will never die.”

-Pierre Trudeau

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2012 Remembrance Day messages

MP DAVID WILKS Kootenay-Columbia

Remembrance Day is a time when we honour the valour and sacrifices of Canadians who fought in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, on peacekeeping missions and in Afghanistan. They defended our country and stood up for our values and our freedom.

I would like to particularly honour one individual for whom I have great respect and admiration. Mr. Bob Doratty, who is now 97, landed on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944 in the final push

by our Canadian troops to liberate Europe from German occupation. Bob was 27 years old on that historic day. His platoon was one of the first to land on Juno Beach. He received a Commendation Medal from General Montgomery. Upon returning to Canada after the war, he married his bride, Molly, and together they just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

There are not many veterans left from Juno Beach. As we approach Remembrance Day, I, along with all Canadians, will pay homage to all members, past and present, of the armed forces for their service.

Lest we forget.

I recently had the honour of presenting the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to Mr. Doratty and I would like to extend a special thanks to him for all he has done for Canada.

On Sunday the 11th, I hope you will join me in taking part in one of the many Remembrance Day ceremonies in our community. This year, I will be attending ceremonies in Golden.

And to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces on behalf of myself, my family and the residents of Kootenay Columbia, thank you for your service.

Lest we forget.

MLA NORM MACDONALD Columbia River-Revelstoke

Again this November 11th, communities across Canada will gather to honor veterans who have sacrificed so much for us. Our freedoms, our ability to make decisions democratically, and the fact we live in peace all come from the sacrifice of others.

On Remembrance Day, we remember those who have

fallen. But each and every day, we must show that we value all that we have been given. And we must commit ourselves to looking after others, protecting our freedom, and furthering our democratic responsibilities.

Along with our children and grandchildren, our continued attendance at Remembrance Day ceremonies shows that we are keeping faith with our veterans. And we prove through our actions that we will never forget.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012 The Valley Echo

2012 Remembrance Day messages Mayor Gerry Taft District of Invermere November 11th means different things to different people.

Sadly, for some people it is simply a day off from school or work, or a regular day that is Gerry Taft traded for another day off at Christmas.

To most of us, November 11th is a melancholy day, one that reminds us of sacrifice, that makes us think about wars and armed conflicts from long agowhose veterans slowly decrease year by year. In recent years, seeing younger faces as new generations of veterans return from peacekeeping missions and military missions in Afghanistan, has added a fresh, new reminder to an old message that is about the sacrifice, pain, and risk of war.

Recently, I have been thinking that

November 11th can also be a day for celebration. To celebrate our freedom, celebrate our great country, and to celebrate and dream and plan for a time in the future when we don’t have as many wars, when we don’t have veterans coming home with post-traumatic stress, or even worse, not coming home at all.

This November 11th, I will be remembering, celebrating and hoping.

Mayor Dee Conklin Village of Radium Hot Springs We owe all our veterans a huge debt of gratitude, as it is because of their sacrifices that we continue to live in a free and democratic society. As mayor, the Remembrance Day Dee Conklin celebrations have become my most cherished event to attend on behalf of the residents of Ra-

dium. Lest we Forget!

Mayor Ute Juras Village of Canal Flats Remembrance Day is a very special day in the Village of Canal Flats and the ceremony is always well attended.

Unfortunately, we will mourn the passing of our last Ute Juras World War II veteran this year, Ray Case. Mr. Case was very involved in the community and will be greatly missed. Canal Flats is very proud of all our soldiers, past and present, serving our great country.

Area F Director Wendy Booth Regional District of East Kootenay Laying the wreath on behalf of all the residents of the regional district is an honour that I truly cherish and look for-

ward to every year. Remembrance Day is the opportunity to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to thank those who are currently serving Wendy Booth in our military for preserving the Canadian way of life. It is a very special day!

Area G Director Gerry Wilkie Regional District of East Kootenay As we honour those who fought for our priceless legacy of democratic freedom, my hope is that the time will come when no one will have to say: “You don’t Gerry Wilkie know the real meaning of peace unless you have been through a war."

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day, think of the peace KEN CARLOW, VICE PRESIDENT Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 71, Invermere

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November 1918 World War I, the war to end all wars, paused as Germany accepted the terms of armistice. Out of the ashes of sacrifice, devastation, and suffering, the tradition of commemorating those who died with two minutes of silence was born.

Unfortunately while the tradition of Remembrance endured, the outbreak of World War II ended the peace; plunging the armies of the world into yet another brutal conflict. The list of conflicts continues unabated with Korea, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Libyan Civil War to name just a few. In addition since World War II Canadians were involved in over

Remembering all those that fought for our freedom

30 peacekeeping missions in places like Cyprus, the to recognize past and present members of the RCMP, Middle East, Africa, Bosnia and Haiti. firefighters, paramedics and all those who serve and This history of conflict has touched the lives of Cana- protect the people of this great country that we live in. dians of all ages, all races, and all social classes. While On November 11th we will respectfully bow our all too many soldiers gave the supreme sacrifice be- heads for the Two Minute Silence in quiet reflection ing killed in action, many more as we mourn the loss for all those who have sacrificed their lives in were wounded both physically “The peace and freedom that and mentally returning home to we enjoy as Canadians today combating aggression and bringlive the rest of their lives with the ing peace to the world. We acwas paid for with the blood of scars of war. knowledge the debt that is owed For what purpose have such previous generations.” to those who sacrifice so much.

We repay this debt in our Rememgreat sacrifices been made? The peace and freedom that we enjoy as Canadians to- brance. The poppy is the symbol of remembrance; day was paid for with the blood of previous genera- but it's also a symbol of peace and the future. tions. Remembrance Day is a special time to reflect At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of Noand pay our respects with gratitude for all the efforts vember this year if you can’t remember war, think of of those who have gone before us. It is also important the peace.

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