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Remembrance Day 2013

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

-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

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It’s Important to us all...

On October 8, at a general information meeting, our people were asked: “Should we close on Remembrance Day ?”

The overwhelming response was “YES!” So, to recognize those who served in the cause of peace and freedom around the world over the years, and still today...

All Quality Foods stores will be closed Monday, November 11 Remembrance helps us understand the country we live in today and how we can build a better future together.

Whether they served in distant lands or here at home, during the epic battles of last century or the strained conflicts of the last few years, we all owe these Canadians a debt of gratitude now and in the future.

Quality Foods joins the nation in recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served in the cause of peace and freedom around the world over the years for the benefit all Canadians.

Also important is the need to guard wisely against allowing history to repeat, while helping our young people to understand and to remember what these men and women have done during times of war, military conflict and peace.

“For the Fallen” They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

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Aniela Plonka: Personal Experience during the second world war Story by Senior Connector I remember the last day of August 1939 when I said goodbye to my mother. She had tears in her eyes and asked when she would see me again. I said, “Mom, I’m going to Przemysl, only a few kilometers from home.”

I was going to Przemysl to stay with my auntie who was expecting twins, and her husband was away in the army. Living with my aunt was closer to my school than travelling every day by train (I was a high school student). Since that goodbye, 32 years passed before I saw my mother again.

On Aug. 28, 1939, the ten years treaty on non-aggression was signed in Moscow

by German Joahim von Ribbentrop and Russian Vyacheslaw Molotow. On Sept. 1, the German army attacked Poland, bombarding cities, towns and villages, killing not

only soldiers but shooting civilians running starved, longing for a piece of bread. There in panic, women, children and whoever was was no place to wash either. After about in sight. Injured and dead people lay every- two weeks, they loaded us in the canwhere. It was a horrible thing to see and vas-covered trucks and took us to the rail live through. On Sept. station. I wanted to let 17, the Russian army my mother know what “Looking through the hole, had happened to me, invaded the eastern I saw someone pick up the so I wrote a note, tore a area of Poland. Then the note and run fast.

Germans and Russians strip from my dress and divided Poland in half. tied it to the note. When He let my mother know The river San, which the truck was moving, I what happened to me.” flows through the middle cut a hole in the canvas of Prezemysl, was made with a razor and threw the German-Russian border. My mother’s out my note. Looking through the hole, I saw house was on the Russian side of the San. someone pick up the note and run fast. He My auntie’s house was on the German side. let my mother know what happened to me.

I worried very much for my mother and my At the rail station, they loaded us in the family. I hadn’t heard from them since I left freight wagons, which were empty except to go to school. for some straw on the floor and a can I tried to get home but the Russians didn’t let standing in the corner. We travelled like people through their that for two days and nights. Our first stop border. They dyna- was Nikolayew, Russia. They brought us to mited the bridge so the prison door and gave us some water. I it was impossible to remember I drank at least three quarts of get to the other side. water at once. I was kept in Nikolayew prisI decided to wait on for six months. Many times, and always until the river froze. after midnight, they called me for questionI hoped the Russians ing. Again they put were human too and us in covered trucks, would let me go in separate partihome. tions, and drove us In the early morning far away to another of Jan. 19, 1940, I prison. crossed the frozen river and two Russian soldiers grabbed me. They took me to their headquarters for questioning and kept me there all day.

I pleaded with them to release me and let me go home to my mother. When night fell, they took me in a covered truck to prison. The prison cell was full of people, older ladies, school kids and young children. There was no room to sit down.

When night came, we had to take turns to lie down on the floor.

Once a day, we were given soup. We were

Aniela Pawliszak.

before calling me for questioning. By then, I’d be totally exhausted; I just didn’t care anymore.

Then the Russian commander insisted I admit I was an enemy of Soviet Russia. He would yell at me to scare me. “Why don’t you cry?” he yelled! “For Pilsudski you would cry, but you will not cry for me!” “Yes, for Pilsudski I would cry,” I answered. “But I will not cry to please you.” (Joseph Pilsudski was a Polish patriot and leader during the First World War.) The next prison they sent me to was in Kharkow, and I will never forget it as long as I live. They put me in a large cell with Russian women who were hardened criminals. They were in prison for murder, assault, theft and many other crimes. They swore and fought between themselves terribly. I was so scared. I thought I’d died and was in hell. Every night, two Russian guards came to the cell to count us. I kept asking them, “Please put me in with Polish women.”

They asked, “Why?” “Because I can’t speak Russian,” I told them. “You have to learn,” they answered. “Learn from these women.”

POPPY MOBIL GIVING PROG E RAM

At that prison, they British Columbia ns can use their let us out of the mobile phones to Legion’s Poppy Fu text donations to nds. truck one at a time the “For many years then put us each , British Columbia ns have been pr poppies and show oudly wearing the in separate little ing they remembe ir r,” says Jim Howa Poppy Fund. “T rd of Vancouver’s his year we’ve ad cupboard-like ded a new and give.” easy way for yo boxes in the wall, u to “You simply text standing up. In the word POPPY to 20222, reply YE $5 donation will S to confirm, and front of me was be added to your a mobile phone bil “We receive 100% l,” explains Howa a door with a of the donation.” rd.

The mobile giving few air holes so program, made popular by disas Haiti and Japan, I wouldn’t die in ter relief efforts is part of a bran in d revitalization proje Ca na dia n Legion BC/Yu there. If I faintct at The Royal kon Command.

Director, Inga Kr Newly appointed use says the Legio ed, I couldn’t Executive n is giving their includes the int brand a facelift roduction of ne fall because that w technology an ways for supporter d new, more mo s to remember, joi there was no dern n and give.

“We want people room to fall. The to know we’re mo re than a social clu “Any Canadian ov b,” explains Krus Russians were er the age of 18 e. can join the Legio to be ex-military n—you don’t ha .” very advanced ve The Legion in BC in their cruelty. has 65,000 memb ers, contributes munity programs Sometimes $6.5 million to co each year and Le mgion members vo hours annually. On lunteer over 600,0 they kept me e of the key prog 00 ram s that benefits fro raising is the Ve terans’ Transitio m poppy fundstanding there n Program at the Columbia, where University of Britis returning veteran for three to h s ca n and trauma relief receive free supp ort, counseling as they transition four hours home and back to civilian life .

Submitted photo

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Heroes Heroes

Aniela Plonka: Personal Experience during the second world war

Every night they asked us what we did before we came The Germans didn’t keep their promise of non-agto prison. The Russian women answered that they were gression. In June 1941, the German army attacked thieves, stealing large items or picking pockets. One night, Russia and the two “partners in crime” were now at when they asked me again what I did before coming to war. Polish general, Wladyslaw Sikorski, tried to save prison, just to make fun of them, I said the Polish people from Russian I was a pickpocket. The guards looked prisons. The terms of agreement “Sometimes they kept me surprised and smiled. The next day they standing there for three to were signed in London on July put me in a cell with Polish women.

30, 1941, by the Sikorski and four hours before calling me the USSR. On Dec. 4, 1941, the For another six months I was in Kharkow for questioning. By then, I’d Declaration of Mutual Assistance prison. Then, one day they called me be totally exhausted; I just and Collaboration was signed in to the commander’s office and read my Moscow by Sikorski and Joseph didn’t care anymore.” sentence.

Stalin. Stalin agreed to release They said, because I was an enemy the Polish people from Russian of Soviet Russia, they sentenced me to five years of hard prisons. The Polish army was organized in the labour in a camp for women.

Soviet Union by General Wladyslaw Anders. This The place was called Akmolinsk. It was the winter of 1941. was possible because there were more than one We came to Akmolinsk by train, a prison train with bars on million Polish prisoners of war and many thousands the windows and guards with guns. They gave us very salty of civilian families deported from Poland to Russia. fish to eat but no water to drink. They tried to find some In May 1942, I was released from the Russian priswater but there was no place to get it. As far as we could on. I was released along with two Polish ladies. see, there was nothing but snow and more snow.

Together, we decided to go to the southern part of Finally, they brought some snow for us to eat. We travelled part of Russia by train. Some female Russian prisoners asked us to find their families and give them like that for a week. messages that they were alive and healthy. When The camp was north of Akmolinsk, Siberia. There were no we got to the addresses we were given, their famrailroads, so we had to walk through the deep snow for ilies were so afraid they wouldn’t acknowledge they about ten hours to get there. Some people were so tired had relatives who were prisoners. They said, “No. they fell in the snow. The soldiers pushed them with the We don’t know anyone who is in prison.” When we butts of their rifles and swore and called us names. In this asked them if we could sleep in their yards, they transport were more than 300 Polish women. The camp was wouldn’t let us. full of Russian prisoners, wives and daughters of Tzar officers; their husbands and fathers were shot when the com- It was very difficult to get a seat on a train. There munists took over the Russian government and the women were a lot of people trying to get from place to place. The trains were full of Russian army personnel and children were sent off to prison for life. so civilians had a very slim chance to get on. The I was put to work digging frozen ground because they rail stations were full of Russian refugees running planned to build a railroad. The work was hard and the away from the front. Their homes were destroyed by Czeslaw (Chester) Plonka.

Submitted photo hours long. We worked 14 to 16 hours every day. The tem- bombs and fire so they had to move on. Many nights perature was 45 degrees below zero, and still we worked we slept on the street waiting to get on a train. toes. After a few weeks, we tried to get to Alma-Ata. Some outside. To keep warm, we had to work fast; when you stand Russian men in the village were going to Alma-Ata, and up to rest for half a minute, your sweat would freeze on your After a long wait at the Akmolinsk rail station, my two said they had room for one of us, if we paid them. We had back. My feet were frozen so terribly that, for many years friends and I managed to get on the train, but we didn’t 50 rubles between us, so my friends decided I would take after, my feet were swollen and it was difficult for me to find have any money for tickets so the lady conductor threw us our belongings and the ride while they out. We held on the step rails while the soft shoes that wouldn’t hurt. would walk. train was moving. On the next car, some Every prisoner had to dig a “norm,” so many metres long Russian men were also hanging on the “I got sick with a severe case On the way to Alma-Ata, the men and so many wide. If somebody managed to dig the norm step rails. I had a little bag hanging on a stopped by some bars for drinks while I he or she received more bread the next day. I could never string on my arm. A man from the next of dysentery, and I thought I waited in the wagon. When they came wouldn’t survive.” make the norm. I was too weak so I received only small car tried to steal it. He pulled and jerked back, they yelled at me to give them portions of bread. Also, once a day we got soup, which was the bag but the string wouldn’t break, more money, but I didn’t have any. So made of some grain and fish heads. and I couldn’t release my grip on the rail to let go of the bag they started hitting me and tearing off my clothes. I was very For one and a half years I worked in that camp doing hard for fear of falling off the train. It was going very fast and I scared and didn’t know what to do. Thankfully, there was a work outside, building railroads and digging canals for irrig- would have been killed if I fell. The string of the bag cut my little Kozak man travelling with the Russians. He asked them to leave me alone, but they were drunk and wouldn’t stop. ation or something. Many of my friends didn’t make it, they arm, and for many years, I had a big scar from it. died of starvation and diseases. My brother also died or was When the train stopped, we walked to a village in Kozakstan When the wagon continued down a hill, the Kozak pushed killed somewhere in Siberia. (a Russian occupied country), and asked for jobs, any jobs, me off the wagon and I fell and rolled down the hill. Then he threw my bags down. He saved my life.

I lost all hope of survival. But something happened to restore because we were very hungry. The Kozak people let us work on their farms and paid us with some flour and potaContinued on page 6 hope for the suffering Polish people in Russian prisons.

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Inventory of wars in contemporary history

Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that today’s soldiers make and on the sacrifices of all those who preceded them.

The deadliest war: The Great War of 1914-1918 is the greatest drama known to Europe in terms of the number of deaths.

The totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century and the Second World War are the direct consequences of this war. But it was the Second World War that was the deadliest, with more than 55 million deaths, of which 30 million were civilian.

The most remembered war: This is the Second World War because of the atom bombs dropped on Japan and because it left its mark on three generations. Fortunately, those who remember it also remember the slogan “No more war!”

The bloodiest battle in Canadian history: The Battle of the Somme took place from July 1 to the end of November, 1916. On the first day of this battle, the 1st Newfoundland Regiment was virtually annihilated in the village of Beaumont. Machine guns, barbed wire, trenches, and massive artillery shelling resulted in ferocious fighting marked by heavy losses. Some 24,713 Canadians and Newfoundlanders died in the battle.

The largest naval battle: The greatest naval concentration of contemporary history was deployed in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean area on September 21, 2007. This unprecedented demonstration of power by the United States against Iran included three aircraft carriers supported by about 40 escort vessels and nearly 100 aircraft.

Take time to remember Throughout the year, and particularly during Veterans Week, Canadians come together as a nation to honour and remember Canada’s Veterans, war dead and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf in times of war, armed conflict and peace.

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Aniela Plonka: Personal Experience during the second world war Jangi-Jul. In August 1942, I enlisted in General Anders’ army on Soviet Union territory in Jangi-Jul. The army’s camp was full of Polish men and women just released from Russian prisons who had joined the army.

There were also some Polish Catholic priests who’d joined the army.

army officer. He was also a former Russian prisoner of war.

people there. For eight months, I worked in a Teheran hospital as a volunteer. I worked night shifts. Every night I started two hours earlier because I took nursing classes. It was a crash course, but it helped my work in the hospital. The hospital was a new building, not finished yet. There was no electricity, no telephones.

In Palestine, I continued working in the canteen. Our camp was located in Hajfa by the Mediterranean Sea. It was hot there so we would go to the sea to swim. We also took bus tours to Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv. It was

He left for England to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) a few days after we met. I didn’t see him for a year but we kept in touch by writing letters. From England, the RAF sent him to Canada for navigation trainFor nearly three years, we had no chance ing for nine months. When he returned to to attend church or hear the Holy Mass. England he was stationed at Newcastle and The following Sunday, flew a two-person plane we gathered in an open called a Mosquito (they “In Iraq, I met the man field to hear the Holy were also called Night who became my husband; Mass for the first time Fighters). His duty was since our release from he was a Polish army officer. to spot German bombers Russian prisons. There flying towards England He was also a former were thousands of men and shoot them down.

Russian prisoner of war.” and women, young and In July 1943, I was old. It was very emotransferred along with the 7th Division to tional; the tears were flowing as we prayed Palestine. While travelling to Palestine, we and sang, “Boze Cos Polske” (God save our saw a beautiful mirage. It looked like a big Poland). city and water lying ahead of us, but when In October 1942, I was transported with the we got there – nothing. The view had moved Polish army to the Middle East. We travelled a little farther away. We travelled through a from Port Krasnowock through the Caspian corner of Syria then through Jordan. Our Sea and arrived in Port Pahlevi in Iran. transport stopped by the Jordan River and Iran was a nice place. I met many nice we went in the water for a splash.

We had to use lanterns.

There was a shortage of doctors and nurses. Transports of Polish civilians came from Russia, filled with people with diseases like typhoid fever, tuberculosis and others. Most of the people died in that hospital.

Czeslaw (Chester) and Aniela Plonka’s wedding photo.

Submitted photo

Continued from page 4

I was in the middle of nowhere. I didn’t know ride and you are so late.” In Alma-Ata, we where I was or what to do. I sat on my bags worked in the cotton fields for a while. We and cried and prayed. After a long time, a lived in a small cottage built of clay and Kozak man came by and asked if he could straw. When we lay down at night, we could help. He was riding on a donkey and spoke see the stars shining through the holes in the only Kozak. But somehow we understood roof. There, I got sick with a severe case of each other. He let me borrow his donkey. I dysentery, and I thought I wouldn’t survive. put my bags on the donkey’s back and sat One morning, a Russian soldier came to our on it, then started off. The donkey walked door and said he was collecting all the Polish people he could find to steadily, until we came get them to one place “I was in the middle of to a creek. It sat down for a transport. The right in the middle of nowhere. I didn’t know place was near Tashkent. the creek, getting the where I was or what to do. He was sorry to see me flour in one of my bags I sat on my bags and cried so sick. He put us on all wet. I jumped off the a wagon and gave us and prayed.” donkey and started pullsome bread and boiled ing the rope, but the water to drink. donkey refused to move. She was just enjoying the cool water. I was so upset, I ran Gradually I got better. We called that solbehind the donkey and grabbed her tail dier an angel of mercy sent by God to and pulled it very hard. The donkey jumped help us. He was the first Russian I met who and started running fast. Finally, I got to the acted like a human being. From Alma-Ata, place I was supposed to meet my friends. we went to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, another They said, “We walked and we are waiting Russian-occupied country. The Polish army here for you for a long time. You had a was forming near Tashkent, in a town called

When I was transferred to Iraq, in the 7th Division, Polish army, I worked in the YMCA canteen. The 7th Division was stationed in Quizi-Ribat near Bagdad. Bagdad is a nice city. The Tigres River flows right through the middle of Bagdad, and palm trees grow there. Iraq has a very hot climate, no rain, not a cloud in the sky, only sun and sand.

When the wind blew, the sand hung in the air like a cloud.

In Iraq, we lived in tents.

Big nets were tied around our beds to protect us from dangerous stings from scorpions, tarantulas and other poisonous creatures. Many Polish people got sick with malaria from mosquito and other insect bits. The Arabian people were used to their climate and their kind of living.

The Polish army in Iraq didn’t have any entertainment. While working in the canteen, I was asked to sing for the soldiers.

With another soldier, I was sent to many camps and divisions. We sang solos and duets. If we put on a play, I took part in it, too. In Iraq, I met the man who became my husband; he was a Polish

Continued on page 7

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Aniela Plonka: Personal Experience during Canada's Veterans, Brave and Proud the second world war Each year, from November 5 to 11, hundreds of commemorative cere-

Continued from page 6

just like Hawaii there. I went to Jerusalem four times.

We visited the Holy Land and churches, and went to Bethlehem and Nazareth. I also took a tour to the Dead Sea. I enjoyed every minute of it. Because I wanted to do more than work in the canteen, I applied to join the air force and go to England. I was accepted.

In December 1943, around Christmastime, our transport left for England. We travelled by train to Alexandrai, Egypt, and embarked on a big ship on the Mediterranean Sea. The ship had to go slowly and very carefully because there were mines in the water.

We had to stop right by Gibraltar and wait there for a week until the navy fished out all the mines. The first week of January 1944, we arrived in Glasgow, Scotland. In February, I enlisted in the RAF with the WAAF. They sent me to the Halton station near London for a mechanics course. In eight months I finished the course, and was a flight mechanic E, working on engines on Lancaster bombers stationed at Sillloth (between England and Scotland).

Living in England for four years, I visited many cities and made a lot of friends.

It was there that I married and had my son George, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since August 1929, when I last saw my mother, I didn’t know what had happened to my family. It was useless to write because the Russians and Germans fought on Polish territory.

The Polish army fought for freedom on many fronts; in Poland, the Battle of Britain, in Italy and Monte Cassino, Narvik, Norway and other areas. But it didn’t bring freedom for Poland.

Epilogue The Conference at Yalta Crimea, USSR,

was held Feb. 4 to 11, 1945, by American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Russian Marshal Joseph Stalin. They decided the future of Poland.

Stalin demanded the eastern part of Poland – Lwow, Wilno, and many other towns like the one my mother lived in. Stalin also demanded to take Poland under his wing and set up a communist government there.

Poland was not very important to Roosevelt or Churchill so they agreed. The Polish army had fought and died for nothing.

Poland did not regain her freedom!

The Polish army that had fought with the Allies wanted to have an independent government elected by the people – not one ruled by the Soviets. That’s why, on return to Poland, the Polish soldiers were treated as enemies of Soviet Russia.

When the war was over, my husband’s mother wrote us and told us not to come back home. “Stay where you are. If you come back, you will be sent back to Siberia,” she wrote. She also told us my mother was alive and had been ordered by the Russians to leave her home and go onto the Polish side of the border because her house was in the newly acquired Russian territory. She also said in her letter that my brother was taken by the Russians, beaten and sent to a prison somewhere in Siberia. My two younger sisters were also taken to Germany for hard labour. When I heard the news I cried so much I thought my heart would break.

We knew it was too dangerous to return to Poland. When my husband had been in Canada for navigation school, he knew how it was there, so we decided to come and live in Canada.

Aneila Plonka was born Sept. 18, 1919, in Poland and passed away at the age of 89 on Jan. 21, 2009, in Fernie, B.C.

Ways to share online Use Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram and Flickr and show you remember Canada’s Veterans.

Post photos, videos, and messages using the hashtags #ShowYouRemember and #ShowYourThanks.

Thank you for all you have done to keep us safe, Thank you to those of you who are continuing to keep us safe.

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monies and events will take place across the country to commemorate Veterans' week. These are opportunities for all Canadians to recognize the contribution our Veterans have made and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of Canada.

There are so many ways to remember and honour our Veterans: • Wear a poppy.

• Attend your local Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11th.

• Thank a Veteran by sending a postcard for peace.

• Teachers - order some of our free learning materials and use our Teacher's Guide to lead your classroom on a remembrance journey.

• Students - read one of our remembrance newspapers written just for K-2, K-Grade 6 and for Grade 7 and above.

• Talk to a friend or relative who served with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan or in other areas of conflict.

• View our Heroes Remember videos and listen to Veterans talk about their experiences.

• Plant your own Garden of Remembrance.

• Visit the remembrance challenge page where you will find videos and images you can use to create a mashup, build a virtual scrapbook, a fan site or just decorate your own Web space. Share what you build with others and link back to our site.

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At Home Defence: Our region engaged in World War II Haig-Brown was referring to the start of World War II, and although Canada did not declare war against Germany until one week after his letter was written, he assumed rightly that our country would be involved in the European conflict. He also predicted in his letter that Canadians would be called upon to increase productivity in resource industries. In our region, many men were employed in the resource industries of logging, fishing and mining. These were deemed ‘necessary’ industries, and workers were exempt from active service abroad.

formed in 1939. The fishermen’s intimate knowledge of coastal waters and inlets made them ideal as watchmen for Japanese boats, planes and submarines and several were also employed in running supplies to coastal defence outposts such as Yorke Island, and serving in examination vessels. Boats such as the Van Isle, the Westcoast, the Moolock, the Stanpoint, the Allaverdy, the San Tomas and the Santa Maria, familiar to this coast, formed part of this unique fleet.

Haig-Brown himself served overseas, but many other British Columbians became involved in serving at home; especially as awareness increased of the threat that was posed by advancing Japanese forces.

On land, the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers (PCMR) was formed in March of 1942 and made use of men who had knowledge of local terrain like trappers and loggers, and it involved older men and youth. By 1943, 15,000 men in BC were organized into 126 companies.

Local fishermen were encouraged to join the Fisherman’s Reserve, or what affectionately became known as the ‘Gumboot Navy’,

In the Campbell River region, PCMR Companies 25, 26, 27 and 28 were active.

One company occupied Camp 8 and had a

Recruits to be trained for the Signal Corps getting ready to depart Campbell River. Submitted by the CR Museum

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Women were challenged with feeding their families when basic items like sugar, butter, coffee and tea were rationed and difficult to obtain. Ramona Vanstone remembered that “you had to have a book of coupons and coupons had to be turned in for any of the rationed commodities… and there were many other things which were unobtainable or in short supply.”

The Columbia (Columbia Coast Mission ship), and three Fisherman’s Reserve boats, the Stanpoint, Santa Maria and San Tomas docked at Yorke Island.

Submitted by the CR Museum

Lest We Forget JOanne Johnston 16th JOANNEB&W L. JOHNSON

30 man unit. The members of this volunteer organization were issued hats, badges, dog tags and rifles. They had weekly training under their unit commander where they learned to read maps and participate in drill sessions and gunnery practice. The Comox Argus reported on September 17, 1942 that “the gallant band [is] taking to the woods against the Japs, who have invaded the Island. They are doing some fancy shooting with bren and sten guns and other assorted weapons.”

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Heroes

By Catherine Gilbert Author of “Yorke Island and the Uncertain War” Museum at Campbell River

One of these items were stockings and this lead to the fashion of painting legs. “These were the first seamless stockings,” Ramona explained.

Organizations such as the Women’s Institute organized fund raising activities, and promoted Victory gardens and support for the Red Cross service. All citizens had to be conscious of black out regulations and everyone was on the lookout for Japanese fire balloons, which were seen over the Island, but fortunately posed a harmless threat.

Local groups might not have seen any action, but there was a strong spirit of communal effort towards a common end and a readiness to defend the homeland. When we remember past conflicts this November 11, and honour the many soldiers who fought overseas, we should also give thanks to those who contributed to the war effort on our own shores.

Troops arriving at Yorke Island.

Submitted by the CR Museum

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B9

REMEMBRANCE DAY NOVEMBER 11

Each year, on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we observe Remembrance Day across Canada.

Every year we gather in community halls, memorial parks, schools, living rooms and more to observe a moment of silence and to mark the sacrifice and honour of so many.

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In honour of those who saved the world In life one man can seldom see His impact in society Our soldiers fight to blinded eyes To allow us all to live our lives Taking up arms against a foe To save us from the pain they know To give us all out liberty They bear the brunt of misery No greater duty can one bear An act of courage few would dare Endless sacrifices for 4 years Keeping back our greatest fears November 11th is a day of love To remember those now up above Men and women far too great To be remembered upon one date No words bring justice to their fight But I will try with all my might To bring them honour for the days They fought to alay such evil ways No act of love could be so grand As one brave soldier’s final stand So now I will say at last We must remember what has past Those who have died and those who live And all the thanks to them we give They are all those who meet the call Preserving good for one and all So on this day I ask you pray For heroes of our memory Thank for your sacrifice It was this act that gave us life.

A poem by Mike, www.remembranceday.com

Please take a moment to remember.

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2 Grandfathers, 2 Wars Both of my grandfathers served in WWI for the duration of the world. It’s hard to imagine the physical and mental trauma that they suffered. My maternal grandfather, Fred Grimshaw (right, private with the 53rd Bn, Canadian infantry, survived the war after being severely injured at Lens, France (near Vimy). Fred Grimshaw was born in Urmston near Manchester, England. He and his brother immigrated to Canada in the early 1900s and worked as farm labourers in southern Manitoba. Fred met my grandmother, Ethel Oles while working on their Wakopa, Manitoba farm. Fred spent two of the four war years hospitalized for various injuries.

He was wounded by a bullet that went through his right arm and suffered shrapnel injuries to his legs and arm.

He also suffered from keratitis, conjunctivitis, diphtheria, tonsillitis and the flu. According to his military medical records, a gangrene infection was discovered when a bomb casing was removed from his leg after an explosion at Lens. He was lame for the duration of his short life. When Fred returned home, he married my grandmother Ethel Oles and they had two children, Joyce and Brian. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1935 when Fred died from a blood clot following surgery for gallstones. It’s ironic that Fred survived the war and then died after having an operation in Canada. After serving his country, no war pension was granted to his widow who was left to support two children. Fred Grimshaw sent a postcard to Canada on June 27, 1918.

He was writing to his future mother-inlaw. “My Dear Mrs. Oles, Many thanks for the parcel you sent me. I sent the tea and sugar home to mother (living in Urmston, England) as they need it worse than I do. It’s getting very scarce over there. I am getting on pretty well.

My eyes are giving me a lot of bother though so I am wearing dark glasses now. I will write a letter in a few days when my eyes feel a little better.

Hopefully, you are all well. Best of Love, Fred.” Sadly, I never met my grandfather, Fred Grimshaw due to his early and tragic demise.

After enlisting for WWII on June 23rd, 1941, in Vancouver, my father, Robert

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Heroes

Beaton (left) was sent for training at Camp Vernon and then to Petawawa in Ontario.

He began his military career in the first survey regiment as a recruit with artillery calibration. He was then transferred to the X troop, P battery, 2nd survey regiment.

He served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He doesn’t talk much about the war but did relate a story upon his return home. “At the end of the war, after being hospitalized with trench foot, I joined up with the 108th battery, 2nd anti-tank survey regiment. We had to wait until the end of December before we could return home. In the meantime, the military had us soldering tins for London’s Huntley & Palmer’s biscuit factory, to keep us busy. Finally, we came back to Halifax and took the train right across Canada, letting troops off as we went along. The unit was supposed to stay together but as soon as the train started Robert Beaton (left) & Fred Grimshaw (right) Submitted photos going across Canada, people would get off, some at Montreal, some at Winnipeg university education at U.B.C. was paid for because and some at Calgary and so on. By the time we got into B.C., there of his military service. Soldiers received one month were just two of us left. I was being sent to Trail because I had of education for every month of service. This includbecome a member of the 108 battery that had been recruited in ed tuition, and room and board which was $60.00 Trail so therefore the 108th battery would be disbanded in Trail. Of per month at the time. Dad obtained his degree course, I had never seen Trail before. The only other guy left on the in Geological Engineering at the age of thirty. He train, had never seen Trail either. Just two of us! The whole town is now ninety-one and lives in Vancouver with his turned out to greet the 108th battery and just two of us stepped devoted wife of sixty years, Joyce. off the train. As soon as they saw there were only two, they didn’t I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my grandstay long. It’s the way the army works. Ridiculous. I had to spend fathers and father for giving up four years of their the weekend in Trail and I was glad to get out of there on Monday lives to serve their country. Their lives were ever morning to get the train that took us back to Vancouver where I had changed from war and we are forever indebted as enlisted. I got to Vancouver about Dec. 20 almost four years to the our generation has greatly benefited from their sacday that I had originally arrived in England.” Dad was discharged in rifices. – Laurel Lahay January of 1946. One positive outcome of the war, was that Dad’s

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Give pause on Remembrance Day Throughout history, millions of soldiers have marched into wars to protect the freedoms of their countries.

Remembrance Day is a solemn time to commemorate those soldiers’ achievements and sacrifices and to pay respects to soldiers who died in battle.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in many provinces and territories. Official national ceremonies are held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Events begin with the tolling of the Carillon in the Peace Tower, during which members of the Canadian Forces participate and congregate at Confederation Square. Similar ceremonies take place in provincial capitals across the country.

Very often moments of silence are offered for lost lives.

In the United States, people honour their present and past military on Veterans’ Day. In British commonwealth countries and territories, including Canada, November 11 is known as Remembrance Day. Since the end of World War I, memorials to remember those of the armed forces who fought in battle and perished in the line of duty have been What about the poppies? dedicated on this day.

One of the unifying symbols of Armistice Day origins Remembrance Day is the poppy Remembrance Day was once known that is worn to honour lost solas Armistice Day because it marks the diers. The bold, red color of the signing of the armistice that put an end flower has become an enduring to the hostilities of World War I. On symbol of those who died so that the 11th hour of the 11th day of the others may be free.

11th month of the year, guns fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare between the Germans and Allied troops. The armistice agreement was signed in a French train carriage at 11 a.m. Later, the carriage where the historic event took place was placed in a specially constructed building to serve as a monument to the defeat of Germany. Although it was moved by German forces and later destroyed during World War II, after that war ended a replacement carriage, correct in every detail, was rededicated on Armistice Day in 1950.

Remembrance Day evolution Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day after World War II to commemorate soldiers from both world wars. It is now used as a way to pay homage to any fallen soldier.

Each year a national ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, a monument erected as a memorial to soldiers buried elsewhere.

The Queen will lay the first wreath at the Cenotaph, while others will leave wreaths and small wooden crosses.

Remembering

those who protected us;

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The poppy became a symbol for a specific reason. Some of the most concentrated and bloody fighting of World War I took place in Flanders, a region in western Belgium. As a result of the fighting, most signs of natural life had been obliterated from the region, leaving behind mud and not much else. The only

living thing to survive was the poppy flower, which bloomed with the coming of the warm weather the year after fighting in the region had ceased. Poppies grow in disturbed soil and can lie dormant in the ground without germinating. Without the war, they may have never come to the surface.

John McCrae, a doctor serving with the Canadian Armed Forces, was moved by the vision of poppies flowering in Flanders and wrote a poem titled “In Flanders Fields.” After the poem was published, it received international acclaim, and the poppy became a popular symbol of those lost in battle.

Men traditionally wear the poppy on the left side of the chest, where a military medal would be placed. Women wear it on the right side because that is where a widow would wear her husband’s medals.

A field of poppies has come to symbolize the soldiers who lost their lives while fighting in battle.

Remembrance Day is celebrated every year, providing people humbled by the sacrifices of soldiers an opportunity to remember those soldiers’ efforts to secure freedom.

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and remember those who have sacriďŹ ced so much for all of us. t UISJGUZGPPET DPN

Canadian Virtual War Memorial Thanks to the generosity of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, you can now search the Canadian Virtual War Memorial to find where a veteran is buried. This site is a registry of the graves and memorials of more than 116,000 Canadians who served valiantly and gave their lives for their country.

The purpose of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (CVWM) is to recognize and keep alive the memory of the achieve-

ments and sacrifices made by those who served Canada in the defence of freedom and so have contributed to the development of Canada as a nation.

The virtual memorial also contains images of individual Canadians and their experiences. You are invited to send us digital images of photographs and memorabilia relevant to Canada’s war dead.

To start, search the Canadian Virtual War

PHOTO Combat Camera

We will remember them.

Memorial by filling out the search form at www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/collections/ virtualmem

Tips for Searching • Only use information that you are sure about. • Searches are not case sensitive.

Search criteria may be entered in upper, lower or mixed case. • A Surname or part of a Surname is required to successfully complete an inquiry. • If you are unsure of the exact spelling of the Surname, try using the first two or three letters of the Surname. • A maximum of 500 responses will be provided for each search. • Providing a Given Name or an Initial will help narrow down the number of search responses. • You can search by full Given Name or part of the Given Name. • Separate multiple Given Names by a space. Do not use commas or periods. • If you are unsure of the exact spelling of the Given Name, try using the first two or three letters of the Given Name or try using Initial. • At least one Initial should be used.

Separate multiple Initials with a space. Do not use commas or periods. • Multiple Given Names or Initials in the wrong order will cause an inquiry

to miss the required record. • If the surname contains spaces (e.g.

Le Blanc), it may appear in the database with or without the space (Le Blanc or LeBlanc). • If the surname contains a period as in St. Pierre, it will appear in the database as St(space)Pierre. • Try using Wild Cards.

A Wild card is a term used to describe a search technique which enables a range of names to be matched from a fragment of a name. “%� can be used to replace a string of text within your search. This technique ensures that the widest range of records are searched in an attempt to find the correct one.

Example: Entering a Surname as %donald will return the following search responses: DONALD DONALDSON MACDONALD MCDONALD

Estimated Veteran Population as of March 2013

**

Second World War 91,400; their average age is 89.

Korean War 9,900; their average age is 81.

CF Veterans 594,300; their average age is 56.

(Regular Forces and Primary Reserves)

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**The total male Second World War and Korean War Veteran population is based on the 1971 Census which posed the following question to men 35 years and over: “Did you have any wartime service in the active military forces of Canada or allied countries?� This estimate included members of the allied forces residing in Canada. The estimates of the Veteran population that the Census provided were since supplemented with a 1988 Statistics Canada Labour Force survey that validated the estimated number of male Veterans in 1988 based on mortality rates applied to Census figures. The survey also captured female Veterans. The information provided by the Census and the Labour Force Survey along with methods to age the estimates forward and apply mortality rates produces the current estimates of the Veteran population. These estimates are updated when Statistics Canada produces revised life tables. The last life tables were published in August 2006 for 2000-02 and were applied to Veteran estimates from the Census starting with the year 2003.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B13

Please wear a poppy

by Don Crawford, 1960s “Please wear a poppy," the lady said And held one forth, but I shook my head.

Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there, Her face was old and lined with care; But beneath the scars the years had made There remained a smile that refused to fade.

LEST WE FORGET

A boy came whistling down the street, Bouncing along on care-free feet.

His smile was full of joy and fun, "Lady," said he, "may I have one?"

When she'd pinned it on he turned to say, "Why do we wear a poppy today?"

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Honouring the Veterans who have served and those who continue to serve our country.

The lady smiled in her wistful way And answered, "This is Remembrance Day, And the poppy there is the symbol for The gallant men who died in war.

And because they did, you and I are free That's why we wear a poppy, you see."

"I had a boy about your size, With golden hair and big blue eyes.

He loved to play and jump and shout, Free as a bird he would race about.

As the years went by he learned and grew and became a man - as you will, too."

"He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile, But he'd seemed with us such a little while When war broke out and he went away.

I still remember his face that day When he smiled at me and said, Goodbye, I'll be back soon, Mom, so please don't cry."

"But the war went on and he had to stay, And all I could do was wait and pray.

His letters told of the awful fight, (I can see it still in my dreams at night), With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire."

Roy Grant 250-287-2000 250-203-1574

Lest We Forget Peter E. Kay

Oct. 15th, 1928 – Oct. 10th, 2013

"Till at last, at last, the war was won And that's why we wear a poppy son."

The small boy turned as if to go, Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.

That sure did sound like an awful fight, But your son - did he come back all right?"

A tear rolled down each faded check; She shook her head, but didn't speak.

I slunk away in a sort of shame, And if you were me you'd have done the same; For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed, Though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid!

And so when we see a poppy worn, Let us reflect on the burden borne, By those who gave their very all When asked to answer their country's call That we at home in peace might live.

Then wear a poppy! Remember - and give!

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Government of Canada Building Partnerships to Prevent Homelessness Among Veterans Ottawa – The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today met with community, private and public sector leaders from across Canada at the inaugural National Conference on Ending Homelessness. The conference, hosted by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, brought together policy makers, funders, researchers, advocates, community leaders and front-line workers to address the issue of homelessness in Canada.

“One homeless Veteran on the streets is one too many. That’s why the Government of Canada is working to prevent and

reduce homelessness among Veterans,” said Minister Fantino. “Our Government is working hard to build new partnerships to help ensure homeless Veterans and those who are at risk of becoming homeless are getting the care and support they need.”

“Our Government is committed to working with our partners to address this complex issue,” said the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development). “We will work with Veterans Affairs to help provide our homeless Veterans with greater access to the assistance and services that they

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that are needed by homeless Veterans.

Over the past several years, Veterans Affairs Canada has provided information on its programs and services to approximately 200 community organizations that support homeless and at-risk Veterans in more than 50 cities across the country. Veterans Affairs Canada is also involved with outreach initiatives in Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montréal, Toronto and Ottawa in partnership with Veterans’ and community organizations.

Minister Fantino took the opportunity at the conference to launch the new Veterans Affairs Canada web section devoted to homelessness. The page provides a one-stop hub for all of Veterans Affairs Canada’s homelessness related information, making it easier for front-line workers to find information they need to help homeless Veterans.

Veterans Affairs Canada has an emergency fund to assist Veterans in meeting urgent needs for which there are no other income sources available. Veterans in crisis can also access emergency funds from other sources, including the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund and the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund.

In 2012, Employment and Social Development Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada undertook a two-year pilot project on transitional housing and support for homeless Veterans, including assistance with reintegration into the community, in four locations: Victoria, Calgary, Toronto and London. The goal of the pilot project is to help homeless Veterans live independently in their communities. The findings of the pilot project will help Veterans Affairs Canada inform direction on the services and benefits

“Through strong partnerships with community organizations, provinces, territories and other Government of Canada departments, we can give the Veterans who have always taken such great care of Canadians the support they need when they need it,” said Minister Fantino.

The Speech from the Throne reaffirmed the Government of Canada’s commitment to continue helping Veterans re-establish themselves, including through outreach and support to homeless Veterans.

Community leaders and organizations who support the homeless can find more information on the benefits and services Veterans Affairs Canada provides to homeless Veterans or those at risk of becoming homeless at veterans.gc.ca.

Veterans Affairs Canada’s support and services offer the right care at the right time to achieve the best results for Veterans and their families. Find out more at veterans.gc.ca.

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In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

Flt/Lt. John Lukey Flt/Lt. John Lukey RCAF died April 3, 1945 in his country’s service. Dad, you live forever in our hearts. Love Susan and Family.

Kenneth W. Ballard This is my father Kenneth W Ballard, deceased, he served overseas with Smokey Smith. He was a real good man and an excellent father The family misses him a lot. Thanks Dad for everything!

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.

Lest we forget.

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Monday, November 11 6:30am 8:00am 9:15am 9:45am 11:00am 11:30am 12:30am 5:00am 1:00am 6:00am

HAPPY HOUR (COMRADESHIP) BREAKFAST PARADE ANNOUNCEMENTS MARSHALL FOR PARADE BEHIND CASINO PARKING LOT CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH RETURN TO THE LEGION FOR COMRADESHIP LUNCH PREPARED BY THE LADIES AUXILIARY DINNER BY THE BRANCH DANCE Music by THE IMPALAS KARAKOE SING A LONG

William Douglas Anderson

David M. Blackburn

My dad, William Douglas Anderson was a Flight Sergeant who trained at Number 3 Bombing and Gunnery School – MacDonald, Manitoba.

He didn’t talk about the war much. He was an active legion member running the meat draw and solicited businesses for Remembrance Day wreaths for years. He passed away November 23, 1991. We donated his uniform to the Vancouver Island Military Museum in Nanaimo.

David M. Blackburn saw action in France, Belgium, and Holland during WWII. He belonged to the XII Manitoba Dragoons, 18th Armoured Car Regiment.

He drove an armoured car and was one of the first to reach the Seine River in France. He has many stories to tell. He returned to Canada at New Years, 1945. This photo was taken Nov 11th, 2012.

Now at 91, he resides in Evergreen Seniors Home.

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service The VAC Assistance Service has been developed to assist you in overcoming almost every problem that can affect your personal or professional life.

Call our Assistance Service Operators at: 1-800-268-7708 TDD 1-800-567-5803

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B17

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Heroes

Honouring our

At the 11th Hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month,

WE WILL REMEMBER

FOR THE FALLEN With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death August and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.

There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe.

They 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.

They mingle not with laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England’s foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known As the stars are known to the Night; As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain, As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain.

– Laurence Binyon

David Dyck 1916-2012

Text-to-Donate

For years, you’ve supported the Legion. And proudly wore your poppy.

This fall, a new generation of veterans are returning home, and your gift has never been so important.

Veterans will turn to the Legion for affordable housing, career counseling & trauma relief.

And we’ll be there with your support.

Simply text the word “POPPY” to 20222 on your mobile phone and $5 will be sent directly to the Legion’s Poppy Funds.

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Dean Thompson, 1990 My Name is Dean Thompson, I was born and raised in Campbell River, graduating from Southgate Secondary in July 1988, and leaving for the army in October 1988.

I served with the Second Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) from 1989 to 1996, then transferred to the Air Force and posted to CFB Comox in November 1996, where I have served ever since. During my time with the PPCLI I was deployed on two peacekeeping operations, in 1990 to Cyprus and then in 1993 to Croatia during the civil war in the Balkans. In Croatia my platoon was part of the Medak Pocket operation in mid-September 1993, where we were engaged in multiple armed stand-offs and firefights with elements of the Croatian army. Retiring from the regular military in October 2008, I currently work on CFB Comox as a reserve aircraft structures technician and volunteer with the RCMP in Campbell River as an Auxiliary Constable.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B19

New Veterans Charter The Facts The New Veterans Charter is a more complete approach to helping our men and women injured in the line of duty.

It is about providing Veterans with the help they need, for as long as they need it. And it is never too late for Veterans to get that help.

No amount of money can compensate for a life-altering injury or illness; however, the New Veterans Charter offers real hope.

It provides financial security for as long as Veterans are unable to be gainfully employed, and it offers the programs that injured and ill Veterans need to lead more healthy, rewarding and independent lives.

and ensure ill and injured Veterans have an adequate income.

Under this new legislation, known as the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act, Regular Force

Veterans in receipt of the Earnings Loss benefit are guaranteed a minimum of $40,000/year in pretax income for as long as they are in the Rehabilitation Program or,

if they are unable to work again, until age 65.

Under the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act, eligibility criteria for the Permanent

supplement. With these changes, Canada’s severely injured Veterans may be eligible for a minimum of $58,000 a year

Impairment Allowance (PIA) and the Exceptional Incapacity Allowance have been broadened.

Recipients of the PIA may also be eligible for a new $1,000 monthly

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Those who are the most injured get the most help.

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The key to the New Veterans Charter is that it shifts the focus from a lifetime of disability to encouraging “wellness” — which is what our men and women really want most.

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It also breaks new ground by extending many programs to Veterans’ families.

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The Pension Act could not do these same things for our modern-day Veterans.

Its focus was on being disabled forever.

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Under the pension system, Veterans only receive a monthly cheque (at an average of $800/month) and some related health care. That is particularly unacceptable for increasingly younger Veterans, who are releasing from the Canadian Forces at an average age of 36 years old.

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The Disability Award is only one important part of the financial support available to ill and injured Veterans. The sole intent of the Disability Award is to compensate for the pain and suffering of an injury or illness.

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Other ongoing monthly financial supports are available so that Veterans and their families can focus on what matters most: getting better.

Seriously injured Veterans may receive financial support for the rest of their lives.

The Government of Canada regards the NVC as a living document that will be amended and adjusted as circumstances require. In this respect, the Government recently implemented legislative and regulatory changes which total $2 billion over the life of the programs. Beginning with an immediate $189 million over the next five years, these changes increase support for severely injured Veterans and their families who face the greatest challenges making the transition to civilian life,

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B20 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

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