Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 IN THIS ISSUE Red Army sergeant never · Red Army sergeant never talked about horrors of war talked about horrors of war · Visions of family for troops · The last cavalry charge · Killing Fields journalist Dith Pran dies · Vimy was a turning point; Veterans gather to remember key First World War battle · Canada's soldiers of misfortune · Veterans recall days at war, talk about Afghanistan mission · New Members Wanted for Branch 50's Colour Party · Another Executive Change · The Changing Face Of Branch 50's Executive. · TINA MARIE EMSLIE · U.K.: Veterans of all ages mark RAF's 90th Birthday. · Wounded vets get short shrift · Via Rail deal has fatal flaw, veteran says · Yes, It Was a Good War · Switzerland: Bumper Spaghetti Crop at risk of Late Frosts · U.S. veterans of Afghanistan Mission express disbelief at President George He took part in the Battle of Bush's representations about War Stalingrad and immigrated to Canada · Comments On The Flag Vote in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet · Tories set to lose Peace Tower flag-lowering vote Union. · Lowered flag for all troop deaths opposed · Collingwood Locals Helping Wounded Warriors Peter Gitelman was a Red Army · The Red Baron flies back into role of the hero in Germany Master Sergeant who took part in the · Canada's flag should fly high Battle of Stalingrad during the Second · ALL BRANCH - A TOUTES LES FILIALES (08-007) - Half-Masting the Flag World War and who was decorated for on the Peace Tower bravery following the bloody Russian · Osteoporosis often called the silent thief offensive against the Germans that · Legion boasts many VIPs around the world claimed more than one million lives · War ID at heart of dying wish during the winter of 1942-43. · Commons votes to honour fallen soldiers, But Tories Ignore Motion An X-ray technician, he came to · Lowering the flag for soldiers dilutes its importance Canada as a refugee in 1992 after the · Command performance collapse of the Soviet Union. · Turkey's Last WWI Veteran Dies · FEEDBACK REQUESTED He was was 90 when he died on · Back To Vimy March 10 at St. Mary's Hospital of · Ste. Anne's Hospital Announces Affiliation with McGill University complications following hip surgery. · Veteran: We shouldn't have to give up prayer "He always made the best of the worst · Veteran: Injuries of war extend from soldiers to families possible experiences," said his niece, · Using soldiers as political pawns Anna Szpilberg, · Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Ombudsman’s Report · Ombudsman’s Report: Reservists shafted on health "He was full of humour, full of life. In · HMAS Sydney bathed in blue light spite of everything he endured he was · Canadian Artist Chosen To Create New 'Centrepiece' Sculpture For UK always upbeat. He was a practical Memorial Gardens joker who loved pulling childish · Book honours servicemen pranks. Once, when I came back from · Dreams King fought for are still unfulfilled a visit to Chernobyl, long after the the · Saying goodbye Repatriation services filled with emotion nuclear power plant there exploded, · he had someone pose as a medical The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 1 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 inspector to phone me and grill about It was only after the collapse of the pictures, from the days before he whether I had been exposed to Soviet Union that life became difficult married his wife Jennifer through to radiation. I was so gullible, I didn't for him and his wife and they came to the arrival of his sons Ethan, 21/2, and realize it was him until he asked me if I Canada to be with family. Jett, six months. was glowing at night." "He fit in well and made friends in It was his idea, Jennifer Shultz Peter Gitelman was born in Glusk, spite of the language barriers," said explained Saturday, for his family to Belorussia, on May 29, 1917. One of Tsarevsky. "His only disappointment take advantage of "Operation five children in a roving photographer's was that, after he became a Canadian Homefront," providing free family family, he went to Ukraine to learn a citizen, the government didn't consider portraits for Edmonton soldiers in trade and before the war worked in him a war veteran, and wouldn't Afghanistan. Kiev as an electrical engineer. He tried recognize his military service record. "It's hard not having him in the family to enlist in the Russian air force but "Canada, he thought, had forgotten picture," Shultz said Saturday at was rejected because he had impaired that Russians and Canadian soldiers Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, as vision in his left eye. After the were allies during the war, fighting the Jett lay in his stroller running his Germans attacked Russia in 1941, same enemy. fingers over the wedding ring on her Gitelman enlisted in the Red Army. finger and Ethan stretched out on the "Red Army veterans living in Canada "He simply wanted to defend his floor with toy cars. created their own association, but it is country," said his nephew, Michael little more than a kitchen club. This is Dave's second tour in Tsarevsky. "The fact that he was Although he was invited several times Afghanistan, and it will be his last. Jewish had nothing to do with it. Like to the Russian Embassy to take part in many Jews he was also a Russian When he returns to Canada in late anniversary celebrations, he was patriot who loved his country. More September or early October, he is ignored by the Canadian department Jews per capita were decorated by the scheduled to leave the military of Veterans affairs." Soviet Union for valour during the altogether. Second World War than any other Gitelman leaves his wife, Elena, and Knowing it's almost over keeps her ethnic group within the Soviet Union. their son, Oleg, who lives in the United steady, she says. "The only thing While there was persecution under States. that's getting me through it is, he's Stalin in 1937, '38 and '39, you have to © The Gazette (Montreal) 2008 done. I never have to do this again. be careful to separate the propaganda He's done." from the facts. Stalin purged Sunday, March 30, 2008 everyone, not just the Jews." ALAN HUSTAK, The Gazette About 30 families were scheduled to Section: Veterans take advantage of the free photo When Stalingrad was attacked, sessions Saturday, courtesy of Gitelman was sent to work as a northern Alberta's Professional technician in Soviet military field Visions of family for troops Photographers of Canada working hospital #833. with the Military Family Resource "He was a very modest man, and he Centre. never talked much about the horrors Copies of the portraits will be sent to of war," Tsarevsky added. "He would Afghanistan and given to the families always say that Stalingrad was a good left behind. experience for him because it was there where he met his wife, Elena For the Dittrich family -- three Gritsenko, who was a nurse working in generations of which came to the same field hospital." Edmonton from Ardrossan on Saturday -- the portrait is another They married in 1945 and his wife, piece of "morale mail," like the parcels whose military rank was just a notch of Kraft dinner, homemade cookies above his, took part in the Prague Jennifer Shultz poses for a family portrait and Gatorade they send Cpl. Darryl offensive, the last major battle of the with sons Ethan, 2, and Jett, six months. Dittrich every week. war. This one, and others, will be sent to husband and father Dave Shultz in "It's just a little bit of home," said When the war ended Gitelman was Afghanistan. Dittrich's fiancee, Mary Cerio. "He'll awarded the Soviet World War II Credit: Chris Schwarz, The Journal know we're thinking of him." Order, First Grade, and given medals for taking part in the liberation of Free portrait sessions keep soldiers She was joined by Dittrich's Prague, the defence of Stalingrad and in the picture. grandmother Isobell, twin sister the Soviet Victory medal for When Warrant Officer Dave Shultz Darlene and parents Marion and distinguished military service. goes on tour -- to Bosnia, Kosovo and Ralph. "I thought it would be a good idea to get everyone. ... It's going to He returned to Kiev and continued to now to Afghanistan -- the 39-year-old be a surprise." do hospital work until he was well into brings a single photo album with him. his 70s. The album is the story of his life in The family portrait will not be a Page 2 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 surprise for Sgt. Dan Ferland of 1 casualties, they also severely village of Moreuil on the Avre River, Service Battalion. He e-mails his restricted mobility, a key advantage of about 20 kilometres upstream from family almost every day, and hinted cavalry. Amiens, to await further orders. They the portrait could be a good Father's weren’t long in coming. But the cavalry generals were not yet Day gift. ready to concede that the day of the On March 29, a five-kilometre gap had "He said, 'Well, this sounds horse was over and give up their opened up in the Allied line, centred interesting,' " wife Liz Ferland said. beloved mounts. As a result, long after on a tree-covered ridge that the war started in 1914, all the overlooked Moreuil. The next day — The Ferland children, 12-year-old belligerents maintained cavalry. For Easter Sunday — the Canadians Natalie and nine-year-old Nic, much of the war most mounted units awoke to a cold, foggy dawn, the sun explained there are few family pictures were held in reserve, waiting for a gap hidden behind a heavy mist. with Liz in them, since she's always to appear in the enemy’s lines through the one holding the camera. The At 8 a.m., Seely received orders to which they could charge into the rear professional shot will be a special move forward to support French areas. treat. infantry in the area of Castel, just west Then, in the last year of the war, a of and across the Avre River from "He's going to be like, 'Yeah, they rare opportunity arose to use cavalry Moreuil Ridge. Leaving the brigade to didn't forget about me,' " Natalie said. units in their classic role — and follow later, Seely rode off to conduct The project continues next weekend. Canadian soldiers made history. a reconnaissance, taking with him his brigade major and signal troop. When [email protected] AT 4:30 a.m. on March 21, 1918, a he arrived at Castel, he found the million Germans launched Operation © The Edmonton Journal 2008 French about to withdraw. Michael, a surprise attack against Sunday, March 30, 2008 British and French lines on the Seely convinced the French Trish Audette, The Edmonton Journal Western Front. The Germans were commander to remain, promising that Section: Afghanistan desperate to gain the upper hand he would attack the ridge shortly and before America entered the war in needed the French to provide The last cavalry charge strength. supporting fire. He quickly devised a plan and passed it to his brigade The massive assault was aimed at the major, who would brief the brigade juncture of the British and French units as they arrived. armies, to force the British north towards the English Channel ports Seely then galloped up the ridge and the French south towards Paris. through enemy fire to set up his One of the German intermediate headquarters in a small outgrowth at objectives was the important rail the northwest corner of Moreuil Wood, centre of Amiens. which the Germans had not yet occupied. Five of his 12-man signal Facing the Germans was the British troop were cut down by enemy fire as Fifth Army, weakly spread out along a they dashed towards the small copse. 65-kilometre front. In the face of the By 9:30 Seely was in location, a red During the First World War, Lord overwhelming German advance, pennant jammed into the ground Beaverbrook arranged for the English British units were overrun, decimated marking his headquarters. painter Alfred Munnings to be attached to or forced back. Confusion reigned. the Canadian Expeditionary Force to MOREUIL WOOD was a triangular- To halt the Germans, Fifth Army’s record Canadians in action in France. shaped wood, with its 1,500-metre- Munnings completed many oil paintings of commander called on part of his long sides facing north, west and Canadian soldiers, including this one, reserves, the Canadian Cavalry southeast. Seely’s plan was to send a entitled Charge of Flowerdew’s Squadron. Brigade, commanded by British Brig.- Dragoons squadron around the north Gen. Jack Seely. The brigade FOR THOUSANDS of years, men on and west sides and a third through the consisted of the Royal Canadian horseback were an essential middle. One Strathcona squadron Dragoons, Lord Strathcona’s Horse component of warfare. Mounted would gallop around the northeast (Royal Canadians), Fort Garry Horse soldiers—cavalry—were used as corner to disperse any Germans trying and a machine-gun squadron. scouts, reserves or attack forces, to move into the trees, while the other where speed, shock action or long Known respectively as Dragoons, two would clear the wood from north distances were involved. The man- Strathconas and Fort Garrys, each to south in a dismounted action. The horse combination was a proven and cavalry regiment had three 150-man machine-gun squadron would provide necessary component of most armies. squadrons, each of four 36-man covering fire on the flanks and the Fort Early in the First World War, the face troops. All regiments were under Garrys would remain in reserve. strength, some by as much as 50 per of warfare changed dramatically. The Dragoons led. The three cent. Machine-guns, barbed wire, trenches, squadrons deployed roughly as minefields and artillery barrages not As British troops pulled back, the ordered. Squadron A made it well into only led to huge increases in Canadians were sent west of the small the woods, dismounted and drove an The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 3 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 estimated 300 Germans from the unreal, the shouting of the men, the next day, at the same time as his trees. The other two squadrons were moans of the wounded, the pitiful promotion to captain was announced. not as successful. crying of the wounded and dying For his gallantry in leading what horses." C Squadron ran into a German became one of the last great cavalry infantry battalion and its supporting Sgt. Tom Mackay later counted 59 charges in history, Flowerdew was artillery battery and was cut to ribbons bullet holes in one of his legs; the posthumously awarded the Victoria at the southwest tip of the wood, while holes in the other couldn’t be tallied as Cross, Britain’s highest medal for B Squadron — reduced to 80 men — they ran into each other. valour in the face of the enemy. entered the northern side and As the squadron neared the first line, For much of the war most mounted immediately ran into heavy German Flowerdew went down, wounded in units were held in reserve, waiting for opposition, halting further progress. the chest and both thighs. The a gap to appear in the enemy’s lines. C Squadron of the Strathconas, squadron flooded past him, cutting John Boileau commanded Lord commanded by Lt. Gordon Muriel down more than 70 Germans with Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Flowerdew, headed for the northeast their sabres. from 1985 to 1987. corner of the wood. He sent Second Only one Strathcona made it through Troop ahead under Lt. Fred Harvey, Sunday, March 30, 2008 both lines. When Sgt. Fred Wooster who had earned the Victoria Cross a John Boileau, The Chronicle Herald found himself alone after running his Section: Veterans year earlier, to seize the corner, which sabre through one German and was occupied by Germans. clubbing another on the head, he On the way, Harvey and his men made his way back to Seely and Killing Fields journalist Dith sabred five Germans. As he neared reported the situation, before joining Pran dies his objective, Harvey dismounted his Harvey’s troop. men to attack when Flowerdew rode MEANWHILE, about 20 Dragoons had up. also joined Harvey at the northeast Harvey briefed the squadron corner of the wood. Two of Harvey’s commander, who told him, "Go ahead group retrieved Flowerdew and and we will go around the end handed him over to four others who mounted and catch them when they carried him back to a field ambulance come out." unit. Flowerdew then returned to C As Flowerdew was evacuated, the sun Squadron, which was waiting in a finally broke through the mist, lighting nearby draw. up the battlefield. Flowerdew led his men out of the draw To assist the troops still fighting inside and up a steep embankment. As they Moreuil Wood, Seely committed his reached the higher ground, they saw reserve. One Fort Garry squadron about 300 German infantrymen circled south along the west bank of New York Times photographer Dith Pran in deployed in two lines in the open the Avre to bring fire to bear on the a photo taken last month. Mr. Dith's death some 300 metres to their front, southwest corner of the wood, while from pancreatic cancer was confirmed supported by an artillery battery and a the other two were sent into the wood. Sunday by journalist Sydney Schanberg, machine-gun company. his former colleague at The Times. Losses for all three regiments were Credit: AP Photo/David M. Barron/ Flowerdew waved his sword in the severe, in the order of one-third to one- oxygengroup.com signal for the squadron to deploy into half of their strength. Hardest hit of all line, turned in his saddle and shouted, NEW YORK — Dith Pran, the was Flowerdew’s squadron, which lost "It’s a charge, boys, it’s a charge." Cambodian-born journalist whose over 70 per cent of its men. harrowing tale of enslavement and Riding directly behind him, the Intense fighting continued for a couple eventual escape from that country's squadron’s boy trumpeter raised his of hours, until the British 3rd Cavalry murderous Khmer Rouge horn to blow the charge but no sound Brigade arrived about noon and with revolutionaries in 1979 became the came, as horse and rider were shot the Canadians succeeded in pushing subject of the award-winning film The down. the Germans to the southern edge of Killing Fields, died Sunday, colleague Although it was certain death, the the wood. Together, they held out Sydney Schanberg said. Strathconas galloped bravely forward, against several counterattacks until Mr. Dith, 65, died at a New Jersey sabres drawn, directly into intense relieved that night. hospital Sunday morning of pancreatic rifle, machine-gun, mortar and artillery The German advance had been cancer, according to Schanberg, his fire. The toll on men and horses was stopped cold and could go no further. former colleague at The New York terrible. Operation Michael ended on April 5. Times. He had been diagnosed almost Afterwards, Trooper Albert Dale three months ago. Flowerdew died of his wounds the recalled that "everything seemed Mr. Dith was working as an interpreter Page 4 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 and assistant for Mr. Schanberg in Later a book, the magazine article U.S. planes attacking enemy targets. Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, became the basis for The Killing “If you didn't think about the danger, it when the Vietnam War reached its Fields, the highly successful 1984 looked like a performance,” he said. “It chaotic end in April 1975 and both British film starring Sam Waterston as was beautiful, like fireworks. War is countries were taken over by the Times correspondent and Haing S. beautiful if you don't get killed. But Communist forces. Ngor, another Cambodian escapee because you know it's going to kill, it's from the Khmer Rouge, as Dith Pran. Mr. Schanberg helped Mr. Dith's no longer beautiful.” family get out but was forced to leave The film won three Oscars, including After Vietnamese forces invaded his friend behind after the capital fell; the best supporting actor award to Mr. Cambodia in 1979 and seized control they were not reunited until Mr. Dith Ngor. Mr. Ngor, a physician, was shot of territory, Mr. Dith escaped from a escaped four and a half years later. to death in 1996 during a robbery commune near Siem Reap and Eventually, Mr. Dith resettled in the outside his Los Angeles home. Three trekked 40 miles, dodging both United States and went to work as a Asian gang members were convicted Vietnamese and Khmer Rouge forces, photographer for the Times. of the crime. to reach a border refugee camp in It was Mr. Dith himself who coined the “Pran was a true reporter, a fighter for Thailand. term “killing fields” for the horrifying the truth and for his people,” Mr. From the Thai camp he sent a clusters of corpses and skeletal Schanberg said. “When cancer struck, message to Mr. Schanberg, who remains of victims he encountered on he fought for his life again. And he did rushed from the United States for an his desperate journey to freedom. it with the same Buddhist calm and emotional reunion with the trusted courage and positive spirit that made The regime of Pol Pot, bent on turning friend he felt he had abandoned four my brother so special.” Cambodia back into a strictly agrarian years earlier. society, and his Communist zealots Mr. Dith spoke of his illness in a March “I had searched for four years for any were blamed for the deaths of nearly 2 interview with The Star-Ledger of scrap of information about Pran,” Mr. million of Cambodia's 7 million people. Newark, N.J., saying he was Schanberg said. “I was losing hope. determined to fight against the odds “That was the phrase he used from His emergence in October 1979 felt and urging others to get tested for the very first day, during our wondrous like an actual miracle for me. It cancer. reunion in the refugee camp,” Mr. restored my life.” Schanberg said later. “I want to save lives, including my After Mr. Dith moved to the U.S., the own, but Cambodians believe we just With thousands being executed simply Times hired him and put him in the rent this body,” he said. “It is just a for manifesting signs of intellect or photo department as a trainee. The house for the spirit, and if the house is Western influence — even wearing veteran staffers “took him under their full of termites, it is time to leave.” glasses or wristwatches — Mr. Dith wing and taught him how to survive on survived by masquerading as an Dith Pran was born Sept. 27, 1942 at the streets of New York as a uneducated peasant, toiling in the Siem Reap, site of the famed 12th photographer, how to see things,” said fields and subsisting on as little as a century ruins of Angkor Wat. Educated Times photographer Marilynn Yee. mouthful of rice a day, and whatever in French and English, he worked as Ms. Yee recalled an incident early in small animals he could catch. an interpreter for U.S. officials in Mr. Dith's new career as a Phnom Penh. As with many Asians, After Mr. Dith moved to the U.S., he photojournalist when, after working the the family name, Dith, came first, but became a goodwill ambassador for 4 p.m. to midnight shift, he was he was known by his given name, the United Nations High robbed at gunpoint of all his camera Pran. Commissioner for Refugees and equipment at the back door of his founded the Dith Pran Holocaust After Cambodia's leader, Prince apartment. Awareness Project, dedicated to Norodom Sihanouk, broke off relations “He survived everything in Cambodia educating people on the history of the with the United States in 1965, Mr. and he survived that too,” she said, Khmer Rouge regime. Dith worked at other jobs. When adding, “He never had to work the Sihanouk was deposed in a 1970 He was “the most patriotic American night shift again.” coup and Cambodian troops went to photographer I've ever met, always war with the Khmer Rouge, Mr. Dith Mr. Dith spoke and wrote often about talking about how he loves America,” returned to Phom Penh and worked as his wartime experience and remained said AP photographer Paul Sakuma, an interpreter for Times reporters. an outspoken critic of the Khmer who knew Mr. Dith through their work Rouge regime. with the Asian American Journalists In 1972, he and Mr. Schanberg, then Association. newly arrived, were the first journalists When Pol Pot died in 1998, Mr. Dith to discover the devastation of a U.S. said he was saddened that the dictator Mr. Schanberg described Mr. Dith's bombing attack on Neak Leung, a vital was never held accountable for the ordeal and salvation in a 1980 river crossing on the highway linking genocide. magazine article titled “The Death and Phnom Penh with eastern Cambodia. Life of Dith Pran.” Mr. Schanberg's “The Jewish people's search for reporting from Phnom Penh had Mr. Dith recalled in a 2003 article for justice did not end with the death of earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 1976. the Times what it was like to watch Hitler and the Cambodian people's The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 5 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 search for justice doesn't end with Pol passing of so many lives in the compensation, say MPs. Pot,” he said. securing of peace." OTTAWA -- Soldiers who lose limbs, Mr. Dith's survivors include his Bugler Roger Pile sent chills down the sight or hearing to roadside blasts or companion, Bette Parslow; his former spines of those attending as he played training accidents deserve more cash, wife, Meoun Ser Dith; a sister, Last Post in memory of all those fallen say MPs who are demanding changes Samproeuth Dith Nop; sons Titony, in war. to the military amputee and injury Titonath and Titonel; daughter compensation program. Comrade Marg Pennell of Branch 76 Hemkarey Dith Tan; six grandchildren brought the story of the epic battle at They also want to see parity in including a boy named Sydney; and Vimy, France, to life by reading an compensation for part-time reservists. two step-grandchildren. account of it by military historian Tim Under 2003 guidelines, most Mr. Dith's three brothers were killed by Cook. Canadian Forces members are the Khmer Rouge. Cook said Canada's participation at eligible for a maximum lump-sum Sunday, March 30, 2008 that point in the First World War, when payment of $250,000 if they lose both RICHARD PYLE , The Associated Press the Allies were losing badly, is feet or hands or suffer another Section: Miscellaneous considered one of Canada's defining permanent major injury. moments. The figure is $125,000 for the loss of a Vimy was a turning point; The battle helped the young nation single body part. emerge from the shadow of Great Veterans gather to remember Some classes of reservists on service Britain and "feel capable of key First World War battle of less than six months see their greatness," read Pennell from Cook's claims capped at $100,000 and are work. eligible for only half or, in some cases, Canadian troops "carefully planned one quarter of the dismemberment and rehearsed" for weeks before the claims for regular forces. attack staged April 9-12, 1917. Cook described the Canadian NDP MP Peter Stoffer slammed the onslaught as "a stunning success," but compensation figures as too low, and said it came "at a terrible cost." said disparity between full-time troops and reservists amounts to outrageous As many as 100,000 Canadian troops discrimination. were involved in the battle in which 3,598 lives were lost and 10,000 were "I don't care if it's one mi -nute or one Dan Turner (left), John Presley and Mel wounded as they sought to capture year, the minute someone puts that Pennell, members of Branch 76 of the the seven-kilometre ridge. uniform on and they serve their Royal Canadian Legion, chat before the country, whether it's domestic or Canadian soldiers eventually captured start of a memorial service Sunday overseas, if something happens to commemorating the 91st anniversary of Hill 155, the highest spot in the them they should be treated equally," the Battle of Vimy Ridge. battlefield. Credit: Carol mulligan/the sudbury star Stoffer said. The 91st anniversary of a First World Monday, March 31, 2008 'WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?' Carol Mulligan, The Sudbury Start War battle historians say was Section: Veterans "Whether you're losing your foot in Canada's coming of age as a nation Gagetown or Wainwright or was remembered in a solemn Afghanistan, what's the difference to celebration Sunday. Canada's soldiers of the person who lost the foot?" misfortune The annual memorial held by Branch According to figures obtained by Sun 76 of the Royal Canadian Legion has Media, as of the end of 2007, the become almost as well known in Department of National Defence had Sudbury as the story of how almost paid out $2.6 million for 17 4,000 Canadians lost their lives in the dismemberment claims. Battle of Vimy Ridge. Legion members, some of them veterans That's up from $1.1 million paid out from other wars, marched along with from the beginning of the Afghanistan cadets in a parade from Tom Davies mission in 2002 to the end of 2006. Square to Church of the Epiphany, Andre Bouchard, president of the where the memorial service was held. Service Income Security Insurance Rev. Tom Corston, pastor at the Plan, which administers financial church and padre for Branch 76, Pte Brent Ginther was one of the Canadian programs for Canadian troops, said a invited about 150 people at the soldiers wounded in Afghanistan. proposal to standardize compensation Credit: Canapress memorial to "pause a few short so that everyone qualifies for the moments to commemorate the War wounded deserve better maximum amounts is before Treasury Page 6 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Board, but he could not say if it would She said it has worked relatively well, Veterans recall days at war, be approved. allowing them to buy a new house that talk about Afghanistan could be made accessible for her While other countries such as Britain husband, who continues to serve in mission have recently increased casualty support with the Armed compensation, Bouchard said there is Forces. no current consideration to boost payments in Canada. But Franklin also said reservists certainly deserve the same level of "Right now there's nothing in the support as their full-time comrades. works to change the maximum amounts, but there is something in the "I would hope it's that way because works to make sure everyone will they're serving just like regular forces qualify for a total of $250,000," he members do," she said. said. Franklin added, however, that she can The Afghan campaign, up to the end also understand some hiccups in of 2007, has seen 395 non-battle updating the military's system of injuries, 280 wounded in action, 66 compensation - as it comes to grips killed in action and eight other deaths. with the scale, and the fallout, of the Afghan campaign. DND, for reasons of "operational security," does not release detailed "This is really the first time that information on how many injuries Canada's been technically at war resulted in dismemberment. since Korea," she said. "So, we just don't know what everybody needs, But one Forces member said the level and that's the problem." of compensation is a grave concern for those who risk losing limbs from Monday, March 31, 2008 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) KATHLEEN HARRIS, NATIONAL BUREAU Ron Pietroniro / Metroland OSHAWA -- and other blasts. CHIEF, The Edmonton Sun Leighton Warren, a veteran from Section: Afghanistan DND and Veterans Affairs provide Sunnybrook Hospital, takes part in the pensions and programs to help annual Oshawa Legion Branch 637's luncheon. March 26, 2008. amputees retain a job with the Forces Credit: Durham Region News or in the federal civil service, but many say it's still not enough. Lunch for Sunnybrook vets is a tradition at Oshawa's branch 637. Liberal MP Dan Mc Teague said Canadians should be "aghast" to learn OSHAWA -- It is fitting to hear talk of the level of compensation for soldiers war at a legion hall. with debilitating wounds. Sometimes, the conversations are of years long past and battles now And after recently voting to extend the recounted in history books. mission to 2011, he believes Parliament has a duty to ensure every Other times, they turn to the battles at amputee soldier is cared for financially hand -- especially when it has become for the rest of his or her life. an all too regular occurrence for troops to arrive home in Canada in "To me this looks like a blatant ripoff of flag-draped coffins. people who have selflessly given of themselves for what Parliament has "This isn't like the war we fought," asked them to do," he said. sighs Oshawa resident Gordon Cormie, speaking of Canada's current McTeague also slammed the mission in Afghanistan. "When I went inequality in compensation for regular to war, I knew who my enemy was, force and some reservists as they wore uniforms. Our troops over "appalling discrimination." there don't know who these people 'DISCRIMINATION' are. It's so different."â?¨ Mr. Cormie is a Second World War veteran, an Edmontonian Audra Franklin, whose Oshawa resident and an active husband Master Cpl. Paul Franklin member of Sir William Stephenson lost both his legs to a roadside bomb Royal Canadian Legion Branch 637. in Afghanistan in 2006, praises the military's system of compensation and This week, he and his fellow members insurance. at branch 637 welcomed dozens of guests from Sunnybrook Veterans The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 7 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 Hospital in Toronto for an afternoon of he says. "I'm proud of them being over in marriage, which she has graciously bingo and chicken pot pie. there, but in that particular country, I accepted. don't think anyone will win. I hope I'm The branch has been hosting the The date of the wedding will be wrong."â?¨ Sir William Stephenson lunch for several years now, as a way sometime next year. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 637 is to say thank you to their fellow one of two halls in Oshawa. It boasts Congratulations Ed and Belva. veterans. 400 members, an ambitious annual There was talk of many things as the poppy campaign that raised $53,000 Monday, March 31, 2008 Sunnybrook guests arrived at in 2007, community service projects Webmaster Section: Births Deaths and Marriages Oshawa's Simcoe Street North branch and a full activity schedule including on Wednesday afternoon -- the mild dinners, league darts and Friday night spring-like weather, bingo rivalries and karaoke.â?¨ For more information on The Changing Face Of the battlefields each one had seen. branch 637, visit www.rclbr637.com Branch 50's Executive.

But conversation quickly turned to Monday, March 31, 2008 current events and Canada's troops Jillian Follert, Durham Region News overseas. Section: Veterans Mr. Cormie, who was stationed in North Africa and Italy during the New Members Wanted for Second World War, says the mission Branch 50's Colour Party UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: Due in Afghanistan is "in shambles" and to a swath of resignations and the doesn't know if there will be a winner unfortunate passing of Reg Bielaski, when all is said and done. our Youth Officer, the face of our It was a sentiment echoed by many of executive changed markedly his colleagues. yesterday as the general body ratified the acceptance of five new members "It's utterly stupid, people are dying, RCL Branch 50 is looking to expand to the executive and the reallocation of but they're not getting anywhere. I its Colour Party. If you are a member a few of the positions as designated think we finished the last good war," of Branch 50, and are interested in by Comrade President David said Russ Rogers, a Second World learning more about joining the Colour Davidson. War navy vet. Party, please email your intentions to Comrade Michael Fenton, [email protected]. Beside him, Elizabeth Staff nodded in according to by-law protocol, has now agreement. Monday, March 31, 2008 moved up from Second Vice-President She spent five years in the Canadian Gord Ross, Sergeant-At-Arms to First Vice-President replacing Women's Army Corps during the Section: Executive Comrade Don Walter. Michael will Second World War and comes from a retain his current position of Poppy proud military family -- her father, Another Executive Change Campaign Chairman and is now also brother and sister all served at the covering the Training And same time she did and her husband Organizational Development role in was a veteran too. addition to chairing the Entertainment Committee. But that doesn't mean she likes what she sees happening in Afghanistan. Comrade Gord Ross, former Sergeant at Arms, has been promoted "I think we should bring them home," to Second Vice-President and now she says softly. "All these young chairs the Bar Committee. The latter people getting killed and for what? It's now consists of Comrade Second Vice- not like the war we knew." President Gord Ross, Comrade First Don Jacobs wants to be clear that Vice-President Michael Fenton and Comrade Treasurer Jim Frasier. he's very proud of the Canadian Ed is a veteran in our current times. Belva troops in Afghanistan and thinks is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. (ED's Comrade Ed Gorniak, previously they're doing a good job with the glazed look may now be permanent..T) House and Building, replaces orders they've been given. Credit: Belva Christner Comrade Gord Ross as the new But this 84-year-old, who was We are happy to announce another Sergeant at Arms. wounded by a shell while serving in executive change in our midst. The following comrades were sworn in France, says there are as many cons This time not in our own organization as new executive members by as pros. but in the household of Ed Gorniak, Comrade District Commander Peter "We have to remember, there has our new Sergeant At Arms. Gates. been fighting in that country for years Ed has asked Belva Christner, our Comrade Belva Christner, and nothing ever seems to get better," new Executive Secretary for her hand replaces Comrade Lee Ewart as the Page 8 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 new Executive Sectretary. Jr., Tim and sister-in law Kim. Tina will Eurofighter Typhoon, the development be fondly remembered by many of the RAF over 90 years is palpable - Comrade Deanna McCormick, friends whose lives she has touched. and made real by the smell of oil and replaces Comrade Reg Bielaski as paint. Youth Education / Bursary Officer. Friends are invited to share their memories of Tina with her family But it is the wars the service has Comrade Alfred Ash, during visitation at the Erb & Good fought since 1918 that act as the replaces Comrade Gloria McKibbin as Family Funeral Home , 171 King punctuation in its story. Public Relations Officer and Dugout Street South, Waterloo, on Tuesday, Editor. From WWI to the current fighting in April 1, 2008 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Afghanistan, the RAF's 90th Comrade Raymondé Hashey, A celebration of Tina’s life will be held anniversary celebrations are focused replaces Comrade Gerry Prince as on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 2 p.m. on its achievements and its veterans. Sports Officer and also assumes in the chapel of the funeral home with Comrade Gloria McKibbin’s duty as At Hendon on Monday, the day before a reception to follow in the Fireside Track and Field Officer. the service's birthday, 25 veterans of Reception Room of the funeral home. conflicts since WWII were honoured Comrade Chris Pickering, Cremation will have taken place. by the Defence Minister, Derek Twigg. replaces Comrade Ed Gorniak as the Condolences for the family and new House and Building Officer. donations to the Association for Each received a commemorative In addition, following the meeting, Community Living or the MS Society badge, flown to the museum by an Comrade Norma Ash was asked, may be arranged through the funeral RAF Chinook helicopter - a machine and agreed to fill the role of Sick and home, 519-745-8445 or more used to the deserts of Visiting Officer to replace Comrade www.erbgood.com. Afghanistan than the London suburbs. Vivian Peddle. In living memory of Tina, a donation Among those being honoured was 89- At time of press, the role of Patio will be made to the Trees for Learning year-old Squadron Leader Ian Blair. Chair was still undetermined though Program by the funeral home. Due to Lous Kuntz is a favourite. allergies, floral tributes with no scent 'Current aggravation' would be appreciated. This executive is now approaching it's Born in the same year as the RAF was half way point in it's term and has, by Monday, March 31, 2008 formed, he joined at the age of 16 all accounts, gone through a The Record "and a quarter" in 1934. significant change. Let us all wish the Section: Births Deaths and Marriages Within five years he was fighting Nazi new executive members well and Germany - ending up flying the support them as best we can so that famous Spitfire. they may come up to speed and go U.K.: Veterans of all ages forward for the remainder of the term. mark RAF's 90th Birthday. As one of Winston Churchill's "few", Sqn Ldr Blair wears his campaign Monday, March 31, 2008 medals with pride. Webmaster Section: RCL And despite his advancing years, he still keeps up with what he terms the current "aggravation in the Middle TINA MARIE EMSLIE East". Events of the last 15-20 years have been "quite an eye-opener", he says, "but the spirit now is equally as good Sqn Ldr Ian Blair was among those as it was in years gone by." honoured at Hendon. Credit: BBC News Yet he feels that understanding of the RAF's contribution to the defence of The RAF Museum at Hendon, north London, is a fitting back-drop for the Britain "could be improved". start of events to mark 90 years since "We don't get much recognition", Sqn the formation of the Royal Air Force. Ldr Blair adds. Tina (TT) Emslie, passed away, Hendon was the original London Friday, March 28, 2008, at the age of Senior Aircraftsman Nick Williamson's Aerodrome, where pilots of the 43 years. desert camouflage is a visible fledgling RAF delighted crowds by reminder amid the museum's exhibits, She will be sadly missed by her showing off their flying skills in the that the RAF's history is still being mother Patricia Emslie. skies above. written. Tina was predeceased by her father, The museum's cavernous halls are As a member of the Queen's Colour John Emslie in 2000. Cherished by now a living timeline. Squadron (QCS), Royal Air Force her nieces Melissa and Brittney and From Gloster bi-planes to the latest Regiment, he has been deployed to lovingly remembered by brothers John The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 9 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 Iraq twice, and came back from a tour "In Iraq and Afghanistan, there are 142 wounded veterans between the of duty in Afghanistan before amazing amounts of heroics, bravery ages of 25 and 65 along with 115 of Christmas. and steadfastness of our Armed their main caregivers. Forces." The RAF Regiment is responsible for All of the veterans surveyed suffered securing operating bases in time of While his words are welcomed, some at least 78% full body impairment and conflict - patrolling "beyond the wire" of those in the audience remain about 85% had related psychological in places such as Basra and concerned about the RAF being over- problems - which represents about 5% Kandahar. stretched. of all veterans under age 65, according to Fast. But the QCS also carries out the Barry "Smokey" Furness served for 29 RAF's ceremonial duties, be they years in the RAF - 12 of those as a The findings indicate Veterans Affairs guarding Buckingham Palace or winchman in a search-and-rescue Canada is adept at helping veterans repatriation services for fallen helicopter. from the Second World War and comrades. Korea, but that aid to younger vets is "I was what they call a Cold War lacking. The men and women of the Regiment warrior", he tells me. "I didn't get to do spend six months "green" - engaged the war fighting, but I was doing the "Younger (wounded) veterans have in front-line deployments - and six things the RAF does best". quite different and more complex months "blue" (carrying out needs. They are more likely to have His son, though, has just completed ceremonial duties) each year. young families, be of employment age 22 years in the air force, including a and unable to provide for families SAC Williamson describes his last tour six-month tour in Iraq. financially," Fast said. of Afghanistan as "busy, hectic, "They are over-stretched", Mr Furness interesting", but adds that he cannot "From our perspective we need to pay says. "It is a different air force. say much because of what he was closer attention to the families involved in. "But over 90 years, we have an awful supporting these people. They are the lot to be proud of." ones in the trenches so to speak ... 'Special time' they will be able to hang in longer, do His colleague Cpl John Stanley is a Tuesday, April 01, 2008 a better job and not burn out so stark contrast, dressed in his formal Rob Corp, BBC News quickly (with more support)." Section: Veterans RAF blue uniform. Veterans Affairs Canada has a copy of He says that the ceremonial role has the report - entitled Wounded seen him travel the world, performing Wounded vets get short shrift Veterans, Wounded Families. close-order drill in front of large ACCESS audiences. "We are concerned about the findings. He has also been an honour guard for We want to ensure this group is the repatriation of WWII fighter pilots, accessing all the supports and when their remains have been benefits currently available so we are discovered in foreign lands. contacting them," said spokesman But when asked what his "finest hour" Janice Summerby. in the RAF has been, it is more She said the Veterans Charter "green" than "blue". The federal government isn't treating introduced in 2006 offers more "2003, across the border [from Kuwait wounded Afghanistan war veterans as support in the realms of counselling, to Iraq] and we achieved our mission", well as their aging counterparts, a new health insurance and vocational he says. study from the University of Alberta rehabilitation, and that the University suggests. of Alberta study will help guide future "But long-term, it has to the be the improvements in veteran care. Battle of Britain." "It's a matter of a very high levels of needs. They appear to be having Tuesday, April 01, 2008 Speaking at the veterans' ceremony difficulty accessing services and inside the museum, the defence Brookes Merrit, The Edmonton Sun navigating the system," study co- Section: Veterans minister praised those receiving author and human ecology professor badges. Janet Fast told Sun Media. "It is a humbling experience to hear of SERVICES UNAVAILABLE the experiences many of you have had", Derek Twigg said. "Services weren't available, they had applied for help and been turned "It is a special time for the RAF and down, and the supports they need this is a great opportunity to reflect on were too expensive and not covered the greatness of the RAF. by their medical plan," said Fast. 'Different' RAF Research conducted in 2007 surveyed Page 10 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Via Rail deal has fatal flaw, was made. Section: Veterans veteran says "Maybe there is some sort of compromise our veterans can be Yes, It Was a Good War given by Via Rail," he said. He said the terms and conditions of the promotion are the responsibility of the locomotive company. Catharine Kaloutsky, a spokeswoman for Via Rail, said the popularity of the offer prevents the company from providing a place to sleep to aging veterans. Graves of American troops at Normandy, France. "Recognizing how popular we were Credit: Remy De La Mauviniere -- anticipating the fare to be received, Associated Press the only space we would be able to accommodate the numbers we are Nicholson Baker, a supremely talented expecting is in economy class," she novelist, has written a surprising book OTTAWA - A promotion by Via Rail said. of nonfiction titled "Human Smoke." It that allows Canadian Armed Forces is composed primarily of snippets personnel and National Defence Kaloutsky dismissed the notion that taken from contemporary newspapers employees to ride the train for free in the promotion prevents older veterans in the run-up to World War II and July makes it difficult for veterans to from taking overnight trips. makes the daring argument that the save money on overnight trips, says a "Understandably, they may not be war -- our supposedly "good" war -- former soldier. interested in making a trip across the was not good at all. We shouldn't have fought it. Retired major Claude Soucy, 70, of country," she said. Moncton served as a peacekeeper in The deal also allows Forces personnel To my mind, the book is dead wrong Pakistan and Cypress. He said he and to bring up to five family members on and very odd. This, though, has not his partner, who is also a veteran, the trip at half the regular cost. stopped it from getting a respectable were contemplating a trip to Toronto front-page review in the Los Angeles this summer by train to visit family. Through the promotional offer, Soucy Times Book Review -- "It may be one and his wife can travel in coach class of the most important books you will Soucy said he called Via Rail to ask from Moncton to Toronto for free. The ever read," wrote Mark Kurlansky -- or about the promotion. That's when he same ticket, including the least from grabbing the bottom perch (No. discovered a "fatal flaw." expensive sleeping quarters available, 15) on the New York Times's "Veterans are not allowed to would cost just under $1,000. The trip important bestseller list. Baker's a hit. by train takes more than 20 hours. purchase, at their expense, an It takes a fair amount of audacity to upgrade to a compartment, berth or Similarly, a veteran and non-military challenge the conventional wisdom roomette," he said. spouse travelling from Moncton to about World War II. This is especially "This means that a veteran will have to Winnipeg using the promotion would the case since the war has become sit in coach class during his entire pay $612 roundtrip for more than 50 conflated with the Holocaust, the evil journey to Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, hours spent on the rails. The trip also of which cannot possibly be argued. If Vancouver or wherever." includes a one-night layover in you throw in the atrocities committed Toronto at the travellers' expense. by the Japanese -- everything from Last week, Veterans Affairs Minister The same ticket with the least massacres to the conscription of local Greg Thompson, Transport Minister women in conquered territories as sex Lawrence Cannon and Defence expensive available sleeping quarters would cost $2,925. slaves -- then World War II not only Minister Peter MacKay, along with seemed right and urgent at the time officials from Via Rail, touted the offer By comparison, two seniors can fly but right and a bit too late now. Hitler as the company's way of thanking with Air Canada from Moncton to could have been stopped earlier. Canada's men and women in uniform. Toronto roundtrip for $883 or to Winnipeg and back for $1,509. Baker, though, is a pacifist. He "It may be harsh to state that (they dedicated his book to the memory of are) trying to boost their image at the Soucy said the fanfare surrounding "American and British pacifists" who, expense of veterans," said Soucy. the promotion isn't fitting. he writes, never really got their due. "However, simply allowing the "It's just not even close to being a "They tried to save Jewish refugees, veterans to purchase an upgrade feed Europe, reconcile the United when taking advantage of the program genuine offer for veterans," Soucy said. States and Japan, and stop the war can rectify this oversight." from happening. They failed, but they Thompson said he wasn't aware of the Tuesday, April 01, 2008 were right." restrictions when the announcement Marc Hudon, The Daily Gleaner The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 11 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 No, they were not. But that, for the One casualty of a bad war such as seemingly bumper crop was at risk of moment, is beside the point. A that in Iraq is the growing feeling that late frosts, creating a disastrous contemporary context for Baker's book no war is worth the cost. This was an situation for growers all over Europe. may not be World War II but the war in important sentiment in Europe after The spoof documentary showed Iraq. The former, of course, is the the horrors of World War I, and it people in the Swiss Alps plucking good war, and the latter is the bad produced the supine response to strands of spaghetti from trees and one, but in Baker's view they Hitler and the celebrated 1933 laying it in the sun to dry. That it fooled undoubtedly are both wars that made declaration by the young debaters of so many was in part down to the fact things worse, not better. To make a the Oxford Union "that this House will that pasta, at the time, was deeply further connection, countless neocons in no circumstances fight for its King exotic in a nation reared on meat and cited the pre-World War II Munich and Country." In the end, of course, two veg. Then there was the agreement -- appeasement! -- to they did. In the end, they had to. commentary provided in serious, suggest what would happen if The most horrible weapon in any hushed tones by that giant of Saddam Hussein and his regime were arsenal is the madness of men. We broadcasting, Richard Dimbleby. not confronted and brought down. Iraq see this time and time again, and was going to be yet another good war. The hoax repeatedly tops lists of April sometimes the only way to stop them Fool's gags, which typically include the is by war. "War is an ugly thing," John The parallels, strained though they one about moving Stonehenge to the Stuart Mill wrote, "but not the ugliest of may be, do not end there. Not only base of Mount Fuji in Japan, plans to things." Far uglier, he wrote, is the was the retro term "fascist" applied to make the whole M25 run clockwise feeling that nothing in life is worth Hussein, but it is now lathered on vast and anti-clockwise on alternate days, fighting for. World War II was fought numbers of militant and anti-American the internet being shut down for for several reasons but above all -- Islamists: Islamofascists, they are cleaning for 24 hours, whistling and proudly -- because the only way called. It says something about the carrots, left-handed hamburgers and to stop the killing was to stop the durability and plasticity of the term -- Big Ben going digital. killers. fascismo -- coined by Benito Mussolini Part of the charm of April Fool's is that in Italy in the early 20th century that it Tuesday, April 01, 2008 it's an equal-opportunity day, say fans. can be used to describe a goat herder Richard Cohen, The Washington Post From whoopee cushions to TV pranks in Afghanistan in the 21st. Section: Veterans broadcast across the world, almost The question, of course, is whether everybody has the chance to join in. It there is anything worth fighting for. Switzerland: Bumper is a global phenomenon, with most Initially, I thought bringing down Spaghetti Crop at risk of Late cultures having a version of it. Saddam Hussein was a good cause. I Frosts Fool's equation was wrong -- not about the cause, but about its practicality. I still feel that But only a few gags achieve the anytime we can stop someone from longevity of the Panorama stunt, killing someone else, we ought to try. I which is still talked and written about think, too, that such attempts help across the world 50 years on. So what establish the expectation that the makes a great April Fool's joke? wholesale abuse of human rights will A really good gag needs to be both not be tolerated. ridiculous and believable, say those What's worrisome about the Baker who have studied the craft. It's a hard book is that the attention it has gotten - The spoof cost £100 to make trick to pull off and most pranksters - much of it critical -- is not just a The art of fooling around end up with jokes that are ridiculous, testament to his reputation as a writer but not at all believable, says Alex but also to the questions he has raised It's 51 years since Panorama pulled Boese, curator of the Museum of about war itself. Is any war, outside of off the most celebrated April Fool's Hoaxes in San Diego, California. direct self-defense, worth fighting? spoof and duped Britain - and beyond - "The really good ones succeed at Baker suggests that even World War II about spaghetti crops in Switzerland. making us believe something that we was not -- that the Jews perished So what makes a great April Fool's joke? recognise, in hindsight, we really anyway and that the war consumed shouldn't have believed because it's more lives than anyone could have Panorama's now infamous spaghetti- completely preposterous," he says. imagined and that, somehow, pacifism tree spoof is considered a would have worked its magic. broadcasting milestone as it is "In a humorous way they teach us (Gandhi, in a quote I got from another believed to be the first time television something about the limits of our own source, suggested in 1938 that was used to stage an April Fool's knowledge. They show us how Germany's Jews should commit mass hoax. unfamiliar many of the things around suicide. That "would have aroused the us - that we take for granted - are." Made on a budget of just £100, it told world and the people of Germany to The question has employed some of the tale of spaghetti harvesting in Hitler's violence.") the world's finest brains. The eminent Switzerland and described how the wartime scientist Reginald Jones, who Page 12 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 headed the Directorate of Scientific An indication of its quality is that every haters there is one consolation this Intelligence at the Air Ministry during time it's shown, people still fall for it, year, it's not a work day so no mugs World War II, researched the perfect says Wainwright. glued to desks and no phones April Fool's gag. He came up with the covered with sticky tape - hopefully. But there is a serious side to pulling equation: induction followed by off a successful prank. A gag should CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO incongruity. do no harm and should not place WATCH THE ORIGINAL BLACK AND 'Trustworthy style' anyone in a dangerous situation, say WHITE BROADCAST. the experts. "Basically he was saying lull them into Tuesday, April 01, 2008 a false sense of security, then drop in Disregarding these rules can have Denise Winterman, BBC News Section: Miscellaneous absurdities that just keep getting more serious consequences. A town clerk in and more extreme," says Martin Canada had a heart attack after his Wainwright, author of the newly colleagues played an April Fool's joke U.S. veterans of Afghanistan published Guardian Book of April on him. They sent an e-mail saying Mission express disbelief at Fool's Day. the deadline for a big project he was President George Bush's working on had been moved forward a Both Boese and Wainwright rank the week. He survived, but the council representations about War Panorama prank as the best ever. It passed a resolution banning April pulled off the trick of not only fooling Fool's jokes. the easily persuaded, but also left the sceptics with a nagging doubt about This also applies to the emotional, as whether it was true or not. well as the physical, fallout. There is a fine line between catching someone One of the things that makes it so out and humiliating them or hurting great is that it was executed by a their feelings. programme synonymous with sober and serious reporting. Getting the "In Romania, during the Ceausescu authoritative figure of Dimbleby to do era, one newspaper printed an article the commentary was also a master as an April Fool's joke saying all Nothing "romantic" about it, say move. political prisoners were being freed," combat veterans of Operation says Wainwright. Enduring Freedom "Television was limited in those days to one BBC and one ITV channel and "People started turning up at prisons WASHINGTON - Veterans of it was possible for a programme like and waiting for family and friends to be Operation Enduring Freedom Panorama to hold the nation's released. It didn't go down well when it (Afghanistan) expressed shock that attention in a way inconceivable was revealed to be a hoax." the President believes the war is nowadays," says Wainwright. "romantic" and "exciting." LINK Saddam Hussein's feared son Uday "Small details like the ageing wicker was also reportedly a big fan of the Below are just some of the reactions harvest baskets added to the realistic day and would pull pranks like telling coming in to VoteVets.org, from those air. In his engaging and entirely people food rations were being lifted. who served in the U.S. military: trustworthy style, Dimbleby told the Side-splitting stuff. Brandon Friedman, OEF Veteran audience 'we end Panorama tonight Online frenzy (2001 and 2002, Army): with a special report from the Swiss Alps'. Cue the marvellous film, brilliant The internet has given the day a We finally have empirical evidence commentary and the swelling music." whole new lease of life, says proving that President Bush has Wainwright. absolutely no idea what war is all Political prisoners about. A Commander-in-Chief with Gags include advertisements for free There was always the risk that it might such a child-like view of combat is in coffee cup holders asking users to offend, and some people did complain no way fit to lead America's Armed click their mouse on an on-screen to the BBC, but most loved it. Tony Forces during a time of conflict. button. This - somehow - makes their Frost e-mailed the BBC's On This Day Having served in eastern Afghanistan disk drive open, hence the free coffee website with his memories of the hoax myself, I can assure you that there is cup holder. - he was eight at the time. nothing romantic about being Wikipedia, the online encyclopaedia decisively engaged with Taliban and al "It wasn't until many years later, when anyone can edit, is particularly Qaeda elements for 15 months at a I was in my late teens, that I realised exposed. Last year someone swapped time. this was perhaps not the case [that the "protect" and "delete" buttons on spaghetti grew on trees]. Even now, While President Bush thinks it would every page, so that anyone trying to as an adult, I'm hopeful of spotting one be a "fantastic experience" to fight in stop an article from being edited or two trees as I drive around the Afghanistan, it is anything but fantastic ended up deleting it. country and the Continent. It's one of for our troops currently there. They are the great April Fool's jokes and one I'll But ultimately people either love it or undermanned and under resourced always cherish." loath April Fool's Day. For all the because the war in Iraq--a war for

The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 13 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 which he is responsible. A Canadian Legion official told CTV than the natural passing of a privy Newsnet's Mike Duffy Live on councilor in their bed at age 85. If President Bush had any decency at Tuesday that his group endorses the all, he'd refocus our military efforts Its not as though we're back in WWII report's view that "the flag should away from Iraq, so that we could once when the casualties were coming so come down once a year on Nov. 11, again take the fight to Osama bin fast that marking them would have Remembrance Day." Laden and those who attacked us on meant keeping the flag down all the 9/11. Unlike the Commander-in-Chief, Bob Butt said the Legion does not time... those of us in the military haven't support the lowering of the flag for ------forgotten our national priorities. each individual soldier's death. ------Brian McGough, OEF Veteran (2001- Constantly lowering and raising the James 2002, U.S. Army): flag "would debase its use," he said. Okay, that is it! We have Canadian "As a combat wounded veteran who ------men and women who are serving and served in Afghanistan, I have to ------dying in a foreign country where the disagree with the President's assertion goals and objectives are as clear as James that the war in Afghanistan is Afghan coffee and where support at I served 30 years in uniform, including romantic. There was nothing romantic home is tepid at best. Now we have a overseas and in other nations. about having to dig through our trash couple of fuddie duddies sitting in a Canada already does more to honour during operation Anaconda because back room somewhere in Ottawa its fallen than any other nation on the we ran out of food and were awaiting saying that the lives of Canadians face of the earth: November 111, the a resupply. As American soldiers killed in combat does not warrent Book of the Dead, every coffin arriving always do, we accomplished the immediate recognition from the very from Afghanistan televised. And mission; but there was nothing place that sent them into harm's way. I members of our military know it. romantic about it." am opposed to sending any further Jim Morin, OEF Veteran (2003, U.S While the gesture is noble, I believe it Canadians to serve in Afghanistan Army): unnecessary. Those that have served with five exception Robert Watt and I should think would prefer to be the other members of that committee. "I didn't feel like there was anything remembered along with all of Watt states that the "coinage of half romantic in not seeing my daughter Canada's fallen on November 11. masting has been debased." What has grow up, in watching Afghan children been debased is Canada's reputation A nice thought but there are more starve to death, in explaining repeated around the world for being involved in important issues pressing Parliament: deployment extensions to my soldiers, George Bush's debacle in 1000 troops, UAVs, helicopters, new in explaining to Afghans that we were Afghanistan. Bring the troops home equipment, and so on there to keep them safe - while and do away with the office of chief knowing that we would never have ------herald of Canada. enough troops to actually do so. No, ------Mr. President, there's nothing romantic ------about being sent on an important Murf ------It's nice to see my fellow soliders & I mission and not being given the tools Steve are not " a person whom it is desired to accomplish it." While it is a good thing to debate, why to honour" considering many of us doesn't Parliment declare November Will King, OEF Veteran, (2002, U.S. have volunteered to serve Canada & 11th a National Holiday not just Army): Canadians at home and elsewhere in another day that in most provinces is the world. "President Bush is wrong. I seriously business as usual. doubt any of us Infantryman in ------This would be a reminder to us of the Operation Anaconda found it exciting ------Supreme Sacrifice our soldiers are or romantic when the Taliban and al making. Qaeda were firing mortar rounds at us JPC and our fellow soldiers." I agree with James... ------Tuesday, April 01, 2008 ------Jim in Ottawa Special to The Canadian I believe that Rememberance Day is Section: Afghanistan Anonymous the day to honor these brave soldiers Its a relatively small thing to do as a who risk their lives for our freedom. I sign respect to someone who has died Comments On The Flag Vote totally agree with James, well said. performing the duty the government For those who will post negative set for them, and it might just be some things about the war or our soldiers symbolic comfort to someone's please think before you post this story grieving family. The death in battle of is about lowering the flag, not the war. The Royal Canadian Legion's Bob one of our young soldiers who would Butt otherwise have had a whole life in ------front of them is arguably more tragic ------Page 14 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 ET flag every time a soldier dies would ------Thank you James for your service and only tend to devalue the honour given Joe - Winnipeg perspective. However, I must disagree every Nov 11th. It is human nature to You need not look further than the on the base of the issue for the have such things become routine if we example set by the Royal Canadian following two reasons: lowered the flag every time instead of Legion. Half Masting is done when a the once a year remembrance.You 1) I don't believe it lowers the meaning Branch Member passes on. If a deserve the honour and so does my of Rememberence Day, rather it Branch Officer passes on such as a father and his brothers who served in fortifies the fact that we have soldiers Branch President, Branches in that WWII. Where would we as a country currently in harm's way and paying the Zone Lower to half mast. If a be today without the men and women ultimate price. Peace and Freedom Provincial or Dominion Officer then who we rely on to protect and serve are not free. Provincial and National Branches then our country. I and many others are follow. Consider what is appropriate 2) As a citizen of this country, one very proud of ALL our Soldiers and and add accordingly. I do not believe it whom you have fought for, I think that highly respect ALL! would be disrespectful to the Royal if there is ANYTHING more we can do ------Canadian Legion if it were to be only for our fallen soldiers, we should do it. ------lowered on November 11th or in the Canadian humility aside, "on the death case of a Head of State or other of a person whom it is desired to Neil appropriate dignitary. honour" definitely applies to those who It kind of grinds my gears that there make ultimate sacrifice for this country was a panel of experts formed on this ------and our world (specifically noting the issue. I bet the money spent on the ------reason Canada enters conflicts is panel could have been used to better Raymond when it is the RIGHT THING TO DO). effect by our armed forces for newer Lower the flag(s) on November 11. equipment and updated comms, etc. ------Period. ------Enough of this 'perpetual' grieving. ------J.C. ------Remembrance day was established to rl ------"Honour all who have served" and for It doesn't require much of a brain to those who have given their lives. Let's figure out what November 11th stands Go Navy! keep it that way! for. We all remember the soldiers and As a currently serving member of the It is a special day to remember all and those who died to keep our country, Canadian Forces, I agree with the soldier's who have given their lives in our continent free. recommendation to only lower the flag the past wars deserve honour too. If on Remembrance Day. If the Is it such a horrible thing to do, honour we lower the flag for every soldier that government and the public really want those who are fighting and dying so dies then Nov 11th will likely lose that to support those who serve, give us we can have the freedoms we have? I special tribute "for ALL who have the right equipment to do the job being don't think so. served and for All who gave their asked of us and give us your moral lives". It is important that ALL be The government as usual is trying to support. There is no need to lower the remembered. ALL who fight and ALL stir up more controversy about flag every time a serviceperson dies in who give their lives for OUR something that is basic. Honoring Afghanistan. COUNTRY! those heroes who have died in the ------name of peace is not such a difficult ------thing to do. ------Mark_in_Ottawa I honor all military men and women GAB I'm surprised no one is commenting on each year on November 11 and often If the MPs want to honour the fallen the most infuriating part of this article: think of them during the year. It's the troops, the best thing they could do is that Harper ordered the Peace Tower same as a loved one who dies, you stop debating this ridiculous issue and flag lowered when one of his don't just remember them on the give the forces what it needs to keep Republican Conservative pals passed anniversary of their death, you safe the guys who are still alive. away, but refuses to bestow the same remember and think about them all the honour upon our troops. If you really care about the military, time. forget symbolism and put your money Is it Harperite policy to commerorate Honoring a soldier who dies where your mouth is. the lives of the Conservatives who needlessly like they are in Afghanistan wreak havoc upon our economy, our ------is something we should be doing. well-being and our international ------Honoring some senator who doesn't reputation, but to spit in the face of the really do a lot in my opinion isn't even J.C. troops that fight to defend our the same ballpark. To Murf, freedom? Shame on the government (as usual). You are honoured, just as all who This prime minister and pathetic serve are honoured. But to lower the ------government should be ashamed! I The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 15 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 await their apology to my father and all members is reflected in the daily death ------other soldiers and veterans for the toll. ------true Harper agenda: putting their A flag at half staff for every fallen Ian ideology and Conservative pals ahead soldier? I wonder what our World War The day for honouring war dead is of the lives of our troops. SHAME! I and II veterans think about that. Our Nov 11th. Half-mast the flag on that ------flag would be at constant half-staff for day. ------centuries if that had been the notion The flag was not half-masted for every back then. whatif casualty of any wars previous, why Maybe the flag should be at half mast The sacrifice of the members of our should the present policy be any full time until everyone is back from current Armed Forces, in the cause of different? the 'war-zone'. global peacekeeping, is rightly Honour is important. Humility is also recognized in many different ways Or one can look at it this way: If the important. (see the comment of James: "I served flag is lowered when a MP dies, 30 years in uniform"), and it is right ------someone who has made promises that we do so. But the Canadian flag ------and broken those promises (over and on the Peace Tower represents the over again) - is it really an honour to Tori nation corporately, not individually, have the flag lowered for our worthy Lowering the flag other than and it should remain flying proudly, soldiers? Rememberance Day only serves to reminding us all that we have a great remind those who really don't pay Just a thought. heritage to protect, and multitudes of much attention that lives are being lost heroes serving us with valour and ------in the name of peace. passion. ------This should not even be a debate but If we lower that flag on the Peace C something the Canadian people and Tower for our fallen soldiers, it must Remembering those who have given it's government are proud to do for the be with solemnity and dignity on their lives for our country and our families of the lost ones. After all, a Remembrance Day, November 11th. freedom is important, and is done so soldier is not a soldier for glory. And I agree with Steve, who asks the each November 11th. However, we federal parliament to declare A family left to grieve needs to feel the are currently at war and I feel that Remembrance Day a national holiday, love of the country and know that their each time another Canadian soldier is making our remembrance more son/daughter's lives were not in vain killed we should honour them by significant, no matter what province or and that through a small gesture will lowering the flag. territory we live in. be remembered, even if only for a If our government can't be bothered to short few hours. do this, then perhaps we should not This private member's action is be over there at all. political in the extreme, not an honest ------effort to provide a national focus on ------the service of our peacekeepers: ------Jim McB living, badly wounded, and dead. I spent 36 years with the Tribe. My Serving Military Member ------vote is once a year for the half 11 Nov is sufficient. I do not need to ------masting and that should be the only see our flag half-masted for every reason the flag comes down. military death. Mary Each of us think our answer is "the" ------one. However has anyone ------acknowledged that this half-masting David DaveSask happens for all manner of occasions If we had followed the practice of half- As a person who has served in including, politicians, etc. Seems to masting during WWII, the flag would uniform for several decades, I think me the whole business of lowering the have been permanently at half-mast that 'Joe in Winnipeg' has flag is being lessened in value - for 6 years. We are fully aware of the inadvertently identified exactly the something like giving a standing sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers problem with lowering the flag upon ovation to everyone who performs and we honour them all daily in our the death of every person who dies. some type of entertainment - good or own way. Let's leave it the way current He notes that the Royal Canadian bad. protocol demands and leave it for that Legion does this for every Branch ------single important day, November 11. member at his or her death. Two ------problems: not every member of the In this case, I believe the Legion is necessarily a current or David fm NS Conservatives are acting properly, and former member of the Armed Forces As a retired member who served in the Liberal motion is merely an effort (or RCMP, etc); and, I can't pass our the former Yugoslavia and in the to embarrass the government for local Legion branch without seeing the Middle East, I too agree with James. It political gain. flag at half staff because it the age of should be up to us after all. Page 16 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 ------Michael Gregory ------If our soldiers are willing to die for this country I don't think it's to much to ask Mike Betty to honour that death with a simple flag I am also a current serving member of I agree with Scott...Too often we see lowering. the Canadian Forces and I thought I people going about their business on would add my two cents here. Nov.11 at 11 am and not even bother ------to pause for 2 minutes to show ------The flag is indeed a symbol of this respect for our fallen soldiers.. country, its values, its military and Ian everything else that makes us ------As usual those who are blaming the Canadian. It is for this reason that ------government for this have got it all every Canadian soldier past, present wrong and are using this as a forum to DC and future fight to keep that flag flying slam the Conservatives. Even the "oppose a move to lower the high. Under no circumstances Royal Canadian Legion and the panel Canadian flag on the Peace Tower whatsoever should that flag be studying the proposal see lowering the whenever a soldier dies in Afghanistan lowered. It is our symbol, honor it and flag each time as debasing its use and because it would debase the honour." the soldiers who fight for it by keeping they don't want it to happen. So stop it flying high. The only exception to this Perhaps if not for the fact they want to making this a partisan issue and should be rememberance day as keep the event rare simply to honour remember that the present already stated by others. the political aristocracy rather than government is actually taking concrete great canadians. action to support our military, ie I don't know of any soldier out there equipment and funding. that wants to see the flag go down. Black tie dinners trump the ultimate sacrifice for your country. ------Old Soldier Scott Having served in 4 decades I'm going I agree with James, but I have one BK to jump in. The flag should be lowered thing to add. If all of these people All must be well in this country if all on Nov 11 only. And, if it's not to be making comments of how shameful it our government has to do is spend lowered for soldiers' deaths, then it is to not lower the flags, where are you time on this silly debate. sure as hell shouldn't be lowered for at 11:00 on Nov.11? Every Nov.11 it's Remembrance Day was meant for all ex Pm's, GG's, or Surpreme Court business as usual at 11:00. fallen soldiers so let's just leave it that judges. Without our soldiers, past and Nevermind a whole holiday, make it way. present, there would be no need for mandatory to stop what you are doing ------the other 3 positions. at 11:00. 60 years ago, traffic stopped, ------worked stopped and everyone ------respected the day. That would make Mike ------an impact. Lowering a flag hundreds I agree with James, also if the flag is Judy of miles away does nothing for me. lowered all the time it will become all Why should the flag be lowered on to common and people won't notice. I ------any given day? have all the respect in the world for ------Is the flag only meant to honour those our fallen men and women let's in the service and those who are Betty respect them and remember them on member of the government? I feel that the flag should be lowered Remembrance Day. Other wise to me Is this not a symbol for all Canadians on Remembrance day,Nov.11.... the lowering of the flag will have no from all walks of life?--doctors, nurses, I also feel that Nov.11 should be a meaning and it will be like any other firefighters, police officers, clerks, National holiday...Perhaps then we day. secretaries, the homeless, etc. etc. would see more people attending the ------Why should this symbol be used to services in the communities across ------honour one specific group of people? canada and realize how lucky we are Don't lower the flag at all-keep it flying that we live in a free country... Lulu high for all to see. Unless you are on a ship, the flags are ------lowered to half STAFF. Ships have ------masts, therefore a ship will lower its ------Bernard Romanycia flag to half mast. John Jihad. This procedure has kept me Lower them when you want. Just We have the Remembrance Day informed of every Canadian soldier support the soldiers, even if you don't tribute, which I attend every year, and that has given their life serving our support the mission. the National Police Memorial, which I Nation in this useless war. If you don't ------also attend every year, which serve to want to lower the flag then bring the ------pay tribute to our fallen military and troops home. Peace. police personnel. I think as a country The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 17 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 we do an awful lot. We have wear red For those who haven't heard of this ------fridays, which I'm sure alot of the pro- day, it's on 28 Apr. ------flag lowering crowd here probably ------Windex doesn't back, which also shows our ------I am still stuck on the fact that we paid thanks and support for our military. to have a report done on this. This flag issue is nothing more than Christina political grandstanding plain and I think Nov.11th is the day to honour ------simple. and thank the people who have given ------their lives so that others might have ------MHR theirs. And though I am not oppose to ------Why should I have day off on Nov the lowering of the flag to pay our 11th since I think this war is illegal. I Doug BC respect, I firmly believe that Nov.11th don't think we should support this usa THis is an emotional issue that should should be a National Holiday. I do take illegal war. I will rather see us trying to be discussed and debated WITHOUT the day off and attend a service but bring our troop back to home where the party or political partisanship. we should all be doing it. they can serve their job as defense to I,for one,agree that there are more ------Canada is when Canada being important issues facing Parliament,but ------attacked by invader. I don't support think reasonable people can put way soldiers act in these day and I proper protocols in place without chad think I have right to protest against seriously impeding the other business I am currently serving in the Canadian Nov 11th. I meant no disrespect to at hand. Forces as a soldier in an Infantry soliders. For me,I think the flag should be battalion. There are two things a lowered less often.I guess that means soldier asks for; to be remembered on ------someone has to decide when,and for Nov 11, and to have his nations colors ------whom.And someone will feel slighted adorn his casket at his funeral. While The Spouse if they aren't included. he is alive he asks for the support and As a military spouse and community I have the highest regard for every commitment from his country. This is member, I do know that most in one of our military people.I have not hard to do when Cabinet bickers over service do not feel the need to have served,but my late father served in if it is right or not to lower flags after a the flag lowered in their honor. They Europe in WWII.He was not in favour soldier passes on. There are more serve our country becuase they want of lowering the flag for every loss.He important bills to be decided upon to and love what they do. But in felt it diminished the significance of the now, ones that could effect the lives of contrast, military families would feel a action.I tend to agree with that.I mean more soldiers. It's time for Cabinet to sense of comfort and pride in knowing no disrespect for our military grow up and afford us support so that that their loved one is receiving an people,but as my dad said,"many of we can get the mission done with. honor such as the flag lowering. With my friends died trying to keep that flag ------the loss of a soldier comes very little flying high". ------comfort for the families. It is a small There are other times and other ways gesture that not only repays the to do right by our citizens and our Don soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice soldiers.Let's all make sure we do As a former service member and but to the family who feels a that. descendant of decorated Canadian devastating loss. But most of all,let's make sure we Boer, WWI, WWII, and Korea don't denegrate people who hold casualties and vets I can assure ------opposing views.I suggest we take Canadians the flag at the Peace ------heed of the military,and perhaps the Tower should only be lowered on Nov john veterans opinions.Frankly,I don't give 11th. Lowering the national flag is an Couldn't agree more with a damm what the MP's in Parliament enormous honour and the Peace Mark_in_Ottawa. Well said Mark! think.They'll do and say anything that Tower flag is "owned" by all those they think will get something for Canadians who have lost their lives in ------themselves. service to their country. It is wholly ------impertinent to suggest that the ------Chris passing of a mere politician or ------Judy, privelged representative of the queen Ron is on equal footing to or, in fact How rude you're comments are. Flags I beg to differ in regards to there being exceeding the import of a death in flying at half mast is a only one day to mourn the sarifices service. Those of us who have been REMEMBERANCE! Not only for us our service men and woman have on the pointy end of things resent the who serve our country, but also those made. Anyone hear about the National honours of our predecessors being whose serve its citizens such as Day of Mourning? Posters at may bestowed on those who aren't truly police, firefighters, medical personnel, place of employment displays two worthy. Winning an election or being and all who contribute to keep this helmets. One the troops wear and one appointed to high station doesn't cut it. country safe. To say the flag doesn't your avg construction worker wears. Nov 11th only. need to be lowered at half mast is an Page 18 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 insult to everyone! concerning who is important enough soldier than dies does debase their to have the Canadian flag lowered in ultimate sacrifice. The flag should only be lowered on their honour is an insult to other REMEMBERANCE DAY. That's the ------honourable Canadians and is only day of the year. And if there's ------generally very archaic. another time to lower it, would be Makinaw Dandy when someone of great stature of our ------I do not think this is a good idea. If country has past on. But to lower the ------Canada is involved in a war and losing flag for the homeless... come on!!! We Michael many people on a daily basis, what will continue to find homes for these Our dishonorable opposition has now will we do? Fly the flag at half mast people a positive way, not a mournful turned a sacred act of respect for our every day for years? If we do that, way!!!! country's heroes into a political then it will have no special meaning. ------sideshow. Our dishonorable There is a good possibility that one ------opposition had made no bones about day we will be involved in a large war how negatively they felt about our again. You think not? That is what IT Manager servicemen and women. They have they though in 1918...League of You people are missing the point here - called them the worst names and now Nations...ring a bell? Harper lowered OUR flag for an they want to feign respect to them, just AMERICAN REPUBLICAN, someone ------to spite the one government in our with the same partisanship as himself, ------recent history that has tried to govern but he won't do it for our soldiers. How effectively. I am ashamed of Canada, 19 year reg force member can you not find that disgusting on that there are Canadians who support James said it best every level?? such politicians. ------Chris (Arte Et Marte) Helen Grateful Canadian Harper also promised that he was Fly our flag high for all the world to It grieves me that our heroes should going to a lot of things for veterans see, but lower it down on not be remembered and honored for that he didnt follow through with. But Rememberance Day, again for all to the service they have given to this as to debate the lowering of our flag remember why it flys in the first place. great country,and to the people in it, after a death of a soldier..?? ------by a lowering of the flag. Why should Come on where are the ------there be only one day for priorities.....How can we trust a guy rememberance? I remember every like that. David H day. To lower the flag for those in I am in my 39th year of military ------Parliament who pass on and not for service. I agree with James and the ------those who fight for us is an insult to all other serving members and veterans Canadians. It's a much needed sign of Helene who have posted here today. We respect in a world gone hard. My apologies to John Donne: should continue to half-mast our flag on Parliament Hill on 11 Nov only. We ------No man is an island, entire of itself; keep our Fallen in our hearts everyday ------every man is a piece of the continent, for "in the morning, and at the going a part of the main; if a clod be washed Paige down of the sun - we will remember away by the sea, Canada is the less, Our country is currently involved in a them" as well as if a promontory were, as war and I think it is important for us to well as if a manor of thy friend's or of Please keep partisan politics out of honour those men and women as they thine own were; any man's death this. Thank you. do sacrifice their lives for our country. diminishes me, because I am involved These extra lowerings would not be ------in mankind, and therefore never send permanent but only continue as long ------to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls as Canada is at war. for thee. Adrian Lowering the flag for each soldier that With all due respect to a previous Therefore we should lower the flag for dies does not devalue Remembrance comment, the military is not a all who are lost. Day at all because that day is about voluntary service. It is a paid position much more than just lowering the flag. ------and a career. We do not honour the Lowering the flag is about ------lives of doctors, advocates, and other commemorating the dead, not Canadians who have added a great John something reserved only for deal of value to Canadian society. Perhaps they should ask the armed Remembrance Day to me. While I believe the military is a very forces, since it is about its fallen important arm of any government, Lowering the flag on days other than members. Oh wait, thats the proper lowering the flag for fallen soldiers is November 11th does not "debase it's way to do it, that's not allowed in our not necessary. Setting a precedent use" but not lowering the flag for each government, must be done the wrong The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 19 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 way. Chris successor reigns). MHR, ------Rememberance Day is appropriate; ------You mean EVERY disrespect to our each sad and terrible death of a soldiers, our traditions, our honour of soldier is not. If such a passing must whitewolf this great country of ours by protesting be marked, should not all military with all the upcoming wars we would Rememberance Day!!! You may not training deaths be included? If the have the flag at half mast on a like our involvement in Afghanistan, death of a soldier is commenorated, continious basis but it's because of our forefather's that should we not mark the murder of any november 11th is the day to do this fought and paid the ultimate price for Canadian, serving as a citizen of this your right to say something like that, country? Should four soldiers killed on you are correct James OBLIGATES you to pay your respects the same day all be noted on one day ------on Rememberance Day. If you don't (25% the attention of a solo death) or ------like it, get out of our country!!! should they get four days, and in what order by day? (Rank, age at death, Ben M ------date of province entering Flag should only lowered for ------Confederation?) The nation is commissioned officer's & fallen Shamaro sustained by those who serve. They diplomats As a retired member of the Canadian are all honoured on Rememberance ------Forces, I will have to agree with Day. ------everything that James has said. Well This pathetic issue might go nuclear if put James, I couldn't of said it better Sean the mighty political brain trust were to myself. MHR... realize the Canadian flag completely ------disappears from the Peace Tower November 11 is not only for soldiers ------when the GG or the Queen appear in serving and giving their lives now. It is Parliament! first and foremost for the soldiers who RRR gave their lives in WW1, WW2 and To Mark in Ottawa: ------Korea, the soldiers who made all your I must have missed something. For ------rights to say what you feel and put which Republican did Harper lower Roland Godin idiotic comments like this up and not our Canadian Flag for? Nous sommes en Afganistan pour be prosecuted. And as for actions of ------l'honneur,la gloire et la fierté selon les soldiers these days i think they are ------pro-guerre. very patriotic and even though you We are in Afganistan for honnor and have some kind of ill-will against them Prairie boy pride...not for reason. they would still protect both you and Lower the flag on Nov 11, Otherwise it your rights. will be lowered for cops, firemen, ------Montreal massacre(and if they dont ------The Flag should be only lowered on Harper will be accused of hating 11 November to remember ALL who Tylere, Kandahar, Afghanistan women) gave thier lives in serving their country I would prefer that we only lowered IT manager! Harper is partisan?? our flag on 11 Nov. If a large war were ------Have you noticed the liberal argueing ever to break out again our flag would ------and crying foul over every issue that be constantly half mast when it should comes up lately. You really think they WW be flying high. care about policy for us or just stealing I am currently with the Canadian back power? ------Armed Forces. I have 9 years in the ------military and I served in two missions in ------oversees. To me, anyone who serves ------Bill Gerdson the country ,protects the freedom and Being a Veteran, I feel all active Nancy saves human lives and pay the Military personal as well as Veterans Soldiers died to have that Flag fly ultimate sacrifice should be honored at would accept Rememberance Day as high. all times. I honored always the 11 Nov the day to respect the fallen. However, of every year, but to me it is not ------we mustn't forget others that risk their enough, not lowering the flag is a slap ------lives everyday to protect out safety. in the face to anyone who serves The fallen from these organizations Paul in Mississauga under the flag. That proves that the are also heroes to me. When it comes Typical Canada, 10 years late into a government doesn't care about the to MPs, Senators,Supreme Court's silly debate. The British tried to force men and women who serves this chief justice etc.; I question why they the Queen's standard down at the country. should take priority over the above. death of the Princess of Wales. (The After all, without the sacrifice of our ------sovereign's flag does not descend at people in uniform, these people would ------the death of a sovereign as the not have the freedom to enjoy such a Page 20 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 good living while making laws so the the flag above the Peace Tower on killed by U.S. bombs in Afghanistan, majority of people in this country any day a Canadian soldier is killed. the flag on the Peace Tower was struggle to survive. lowered to half-mast. If it is passed, the Conservatives are ------likely to ignore the motion, which both Despite enormous public outpouring of ------other opposition parties have indicated anger and grief over the soldiers' they will support. deaths by U.S. fire, veterans' groups Disgusted were not happy about the Chrétien MHR: Reading your ignorant "I think it is the least we can do to government's decision to reverse the commentary made me so angry I show our respect for them and their Remembrance Day-only tradition. shake as a type this. 11 November families," Liberal MP Larry Bagnell told has nothing to do with the war in CBC News on Tuesday. Officials with both the Royal Canadian Afghanistan. Instead it has everything Legion and the National Council of "We believe it's a sign of respect," to do with the people who every day Veteran Associations opposed the NDP Leader Jack Layton said. put their life on the line, and ask for idea, arguing it was unfair to the "Canadians feel the same." nothing in return, so pathetic whelps memories of those who died in other such as yourself can enjoy the The Tories have stated they support wars and who were not given the freedom to spit on their memory. the recommendations made by an same show of respect. expert panel headed by the former ------But the Peace Tower flag was not chief herald of Canada that opposes ------lowered in November 2006 when Pte. the move on the grounds that it would Braun Woodfield was killed in a Robert debase the honour. vehicle rollover in Afghanistan, and Mark. You are holding in alot of hate. But Conservative MP Jason Kenney, the practice has not been picked up Let it all out, and take a deep breath. secretary of state for multiculturalism since the Conservatives came to ------and Canadian identity, said the office. ------government was merely aiming to The panel also recommended flag- return the policy to what was the KD lowering on so-called "special days" practice in Parliament during It is a flag, this would have never even — including the annual National Day Canada's participation in two world been an issue if the liberals didnt have of Remembrance and Action on wars and the Korean conflict. a guilty conscience from getting us Violence against Women, and Police into the war again. Im a soldier, Ive "This should not be a political issue," and Peace Officers' National Memorial done the overseas but I am talking as Kenney told CBC News' Don Newman Day — should be scrapped. just a plain citizen (stop pretending on Tuesday in Ottawa. Tony Cannavino, president of the that you speak for the rest of us by "Anyone who would suggest that the Canadian Police Association, said he telling people you are in the army, we government is not interested in intends to fight such a move. are just as diverse as the rest of the honouring our fallen I think would want country). Putting a flag half way up a "To even think about changing it back to reconsider that." pole does not equal respect or or changing the rules and protocol, I gratitude. Remembering their sacrifice In its report submitted this week, think it is very disrespectful and we and supporting them in life is. Robert Watt's panel advised the are going to be strongly opposed to Stop being so outraged about federal government to maintain the that," Cannavino told CBC News. everything people! previous tradition of a lone The day to commemorate women is anniversary to mark Canadian war ------Dec. 6, the anniversary of the 1989 dead by lowering the tower flag to half------murders of 14 young women, all mast on Nov. 11. engineering students at L'Ecole Tuesday, April 01, 2008 The Conservatives commissioned the Polytechnique in Montreal. CTV News Service panel to examine the issue following a Section: Veterans public outcry in 2006 when they first Tuesday, April 01, 2008 announced they would not lower the CBC News Section: Veterans Tories set to lose Peace flag to half-mast each time a soldier Tower flag-lowering vote died. 2002 friendly-fire deaths sparked Lowered flag for all troop reversal. deaths opposed For more than 80 years, Canada Panel recommends honouring fallen honoured its war dead by lowering soldiers only on Remembrance Day. flags on federal buildings on Remembrance Day. The House of Commons is expected OTTAWA: An expert panel has to pass a Liberal motion on But former prime minister Jean advised cabinet to oppose a move to Wednesday that would require a Chrétien changed that in April 2002. lower the Canadian flag on the Peace moment of silence and the lowering of When four Canadian soldiers were Tower whenever a soldier dies in The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 21 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 Afghanistan because it would debase Collingwood Locals Helping "This special fund sets out to alleviate the honour. Wounded Warriors this inconvenient deficiency by contributing quality-of-life items to the In a report to Secretary of State Jason soldier. Kenney, a former chief herald of Canada urged the government to keep "Many of you may be wondering if this Remembrance Day as the lone should be the responsibility of the anniversary to mark Canadian war Department of Defence or the tax dead by lowering the tower flag to half- payer," the site states. "Although this mast. is a reasonable question the answer needs explanation. This fund raises The Commons is poised to vote monies to purchase gifts and needs to tomorrow on a flag-lowering motion support the wounded and their morale. proposed by a Liberal MP. It is very much the same as you Former chief herald Robert Watt, with sending a gift to a soldier in theatre the support of four other experts, over seas. recommended a new protocol that "Should the taxpayer or DND pay for would limit half-masting the Peace your gifts? Simply no. We would rather Tower flag to mourning the deaths of send the gifts from Canadians who current and former representatives of wish to show they care as you would the Crown, the prime minister and the too." chief justice of the Supreme Court. That's a sentiment supported by Paul. Under the recommendations, the flag would no longer be lowered on the Downtown Collingwood. "They're doing their job and somebody deaths of senators and MPs, or former should look after them," he said. senators and MPs. A Collingwood business is going the extra mile to do something for our "That's how it all got started. It's kind "In addition, we also strongly believe troops. of mushroomed from there. It's going that there is only one commemorative to be great for Collingwood and great day each year where the National Flag Paul and Wendy Thurston of Thurst- for the veterans. needs to be half-masted,'' Watt wrote. Ts Leather on First Street is holding a Ride To Rally Fund-raiser for the The event will be held in the A&P "That is Remembrance Day. Our Wounded Warriors Fund - which parking lot. The Carpet Frogs and rationale in this case is that the supports families of Canadian troops - Stone Soup will be two of the live coinage of half-masting has been on June 7 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. bands performing that day. Other debased.'' events include a fashion show and Paul said he became involved after barbecue. A debate has been simmering over reading the disquieting news that Liberal MP Andrew Telegdi's motion to families of Canadian soldiers killed Wednesday, April 02, 2008 declare that the Peace Tower flag while in Afghanistan were being billed SHAWN GIILCK, The Enterprise Bulletin should be lowered to honour for funeral costs by the federal Section: Afghanistan "Canadian Forces and other Canadian government. government personnel who were killed while serving in overseas "I just thought that was unacceptable," The Red Baron flies back into peacekeeping, peacemaking or he said. "Whether you believe in the role of the hero in Germany humanitarian missions.'' war or don't believe in the war I don't care. I'm not a politician. I just couldn't Tuesday, April 01, 2008 believe it. I thought guys like us might Tim Naumetz, The Canadian Press be able to do something." Section: Veterans That's where the Wounded Warriors Fund entered into the picture. The program originally began in the United States and the organizations assist American and Canadian veterans It was chocks away last night for a film wounded or killed in the line of duty that aims to shatter a taboo of more and their families. than half a century by openly celebrating a German war hero: the "When an injured soldier leaves an fabled flying ace known as the Red operational theatre, they do so quickly Baron. and without warning. Often they have with them just the clothes on their The €18 million (£14 million) back and it is here where they are at adventure epic Red Baron feeds into a their most vulnerable," the Wounded new national mood that has become Warriors web site reads. less hesitant about honouring German Page 22 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 battlefield bravery. The Government is machinegunner, Sergeant Cedric established after the terrible losses of even talking of bringing back a Popkin, fired the fatal shot 1914 to 1918 and continued for modern version of the Iron Cross, the decade after decade after that, has gallantry medal awarded in the First Wednesday, April 02, 2008 had the Peace Tower flag lowered for and Second World Wars. Roger Boyes in Berlin , Times Online all of the nation's war dead on one day Section: Miscellaneous of the year and one day alone: Nov. The reason is clear: as the German 11 -- Remembrance Day. Army moves into combat zones in Afghanistan and beyond, it needs to Canada's flag should fly high There is much to recommend in this rediscover its military traditions – and approach, which was resumed in create heroes. The film, the Berlin 2006. It recognizes all of Canada's premiere of which was attended by war dead equitably, with the same members of the Richthofen clan, tries Canadian soldiers who die serving gesture, on the day that the whole to square a very German circle: to Canada on foreign fields are owed the country stops to remember. It reflects extol the pilot’s virtues while declaring thanks and remembrance of their the dignity and gravity of an entire war to be evil. “There are strong nation back home. nation in mourning. It is a meaningful voices in Germany that still say we break from the norm. On virtually should not be doing this,” Nikolai Kitchener-Waterloo MP Andrew every other day of the year, Canada's Mllerschön, who wrote and directed Telegdi wants to ensure this happens flag now flies at full-staff as a sign of the film, said. But, he added: “The film by having the flag that waves above national pride and confidence. Except makes a clear statement against war. the Peace Tower in Ottawa lowered for rare occasions such as state Richthofen says that the world has each and every time Canadian Forces funerals, only on Remembrance Day been turned into a slaughterhouse.” or other Canadian government should the Maple Leaf be lowered in personnel are killed overseas, whether profound mourning for every man and The Red Baron, Manfred von on peacekeeping, peacemaking or woman who has died serving Canada Richthofen, shot down 80 British, humanitarian missions. in wartime. Canadian and Australian aircraft between 1916 and 1918 – more than Telegdi's heart is surely in the right What Telegdi proposes, at least when any other pilot of the war. Yet it was place. But there are so many practical Canada is in a conflict like Afghanistan left to the British to keep the legend problems with his proposal that the where 81 of our Armed Forces alive: the most popular German House of Commons should reject it personnel have died, would make the Ambassador to London since 1945 outright in a vote today. exceptional more ordinary, even was Hermann von Richthofen, given What Telegdi advocates is not a commonplace. On the one hand, it the benefit of the doubt because of his longstanding Canadian tradition but a could dilute the meaning of the half- family ties to the Red Baron. Perhaps custom that was begun in 2002 under masting ceremony. On the other hand, it was the incident when the Red prime minister Jean Chrétien and that it could be used by opponents of a war Baron opened fire on a British aircraft lasted a grand total of four years. as ongoing proof of that war's and, on seeing that his enemy’s gun unacceptable cost. And so the flag had jammed, forced him to land, got In 2002, when a half century had lowering could, despite Telegdi's good out and shook his hand. A scion of a passed since Canada had lost soldiers intentions, become sullied by politics. proud Prussian family, von Richthofen in combat, the decision to lower the Moreover, if Telegdi would honour all seemed to share the English view of flag over the Parliament buildings Armed Forces personnel who die aerial warfare as a kind of dignified when a Canadian soldier died in overseas, even those who are killed in blood sport. another country probably seemed accidents, why should the same appropriate and reasonable. Certainly The Germans were not so sure, not honour not be extended to soldiers, the practice began with little public least because his exploits were sailors or air force personnel who die discussion. trumpeted by the Nazis. After 1945, accidentally in Canada? German films acknowledged Count But that practice was not the Certainly, were Canada ever to enter Claus von Stauffenberg, who tried to Canadian way for most of its history. It another war like the ones it fought in blow up Hitler, as a kind of war hero. was not how Canada responded in the the first half of the 20th century, there First World War when it lost 66,000 of The Red Baron of the film is happy could be so many war dead that the its people in combat. It was not how only when he has an Englishman in Peace Tower flag could be stuck at this country behaved in the Second his sights. Later he is allowed to half-mast for years at a time. In such a World War when another 40,000 develop doubts about the meaningless conflict, and we hope it never comes Canadians fell in action defending this bloodshed at Verdun. “He is the to pass, the message continuously forerunner of today’s megastars,” said country. sent from the most famous building in actor Matthias Schweighöfer. Nor was it how Canada reacted when the nation's capital would be not that hundreds of its armed forces Canada is at war but that it is The Red Baron was 25 when he was paralyzed in mourning. shot down on April 21, 1918. A personnel were killed in Korea and in Canadian pilot, Roy Brown – played the decades of United Nations A special panel, which includes a by Joseph Fiennes – claimed to have peacekeeping missions that followed. former chief herald of Canada who is pulled the trigger, but an Australian The Canadian tradition, which was a pre-eminent authority on such The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 23 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 matters, has recommended against Osteoporosis often called the any age. Young people especially the motion, arguing that if a half- silent thief should start protecting themselves by masting ceremony is performed too decreasing or eliminating drinking often, it is "debased." The panel is soda pop and continuing to drink milk right. or calcium rich beverages. Parliament should reject the motion No single cause for osteoporosis has and, except on the rarest occasions, been found. But some things seem to keep our Peace Tower flag flying increase your chance of developing proudly and flying high. the disease. Some of these "risk factors" are more important than Wednesday, April 02, 2008 others. If you are over 50 and have Editorial, the Record one major or two minor risk factors, Section: Veterans you should ask your doctor about having a bone mineral density (BMD) ALL BRANCH - A TOUTES test for osteoporosis. LES FILIALES (08-007) - Half- The five major risk factors are: age, Masting the Flag on the female gender, bone mineral density, Peace Tower fracture history, long-term use of glucocorticoid medications. It one disease where being thin is not an There is a strong connection between advantage. osteoporosis and falls. Together, they People with no risk factors may still can be a deadly combination. They develop osteoporosis. Response To Query, 1 April 2008 share related risk factors and strategies for prevention. Another sign of osteoporosis may be The Issue of Half-Masting the Flag on height loss caused from vertebral Osteoporosis (porous bones) is a the Peace Tower (spinal) fractures. Your posture is disease that makes bones thin and affected, making you look stooped and The Royal Canadian Legion has weak. If you have osteoporosis, it round-shouldered. This deformity can endorsed a report to Parliament that means you have less bone quantity affect your breathing, make digestion recommends a policy for half-masting (bone density) and the bone you do difficult and affect other internal the Canadian Flag on all federal have is of poorer quality. Falls are organs. That is why itmportant to buildings and the Peace Tower. The especially dangerous as your bones measure your height on a regular final decision of the government on can break (fracture) more easily. Most basis. this issue has yet to be made. common fractures are the wrist, spine While the report, in brief, recommends and hip. Called the "silent thief", there You can't control all of your risk the events and times for lowering the are often no signs of osteoporosis until factors, but you can take steps to keep flag on the Peace Tower, and the you break a bone. Healthy, normal your bones strong: quit smoking, lowering of federal flags on all federal bones are quite strong. So if you reduce your alcohol and caffeine buildings and establishments, it also break a bone from a simple fall - it's a intake and get the calcium and vitamin gives discretionary authority to the warning sign. D you need. Prime Minister to authorize the half- By the time obvious symptoms Osteoporosis Canada recommends masting of the Canadian Flag under appear, the disease is fairly advanced. adults need 1,000 mg of calcium a exceptional circumstances. That is why early diagnosis and day. Over the age of 50, OC 0 mg a The Royal Canadian Legion was very treatment of osteoporosis is serious day. The recommended amount of pleased to be asked to accept a because it increases your risk of Vitamin D for adults is 400 position on this panel and the report breaking bones, which can result in international units (IUs) per day and has its full backing. It should be noted major consequences. 800 IUs for those over 50. Include regular weight-bearing activity in your that at this time it is still a report and is Disability can result, especially from life. in the process of making its way to the hip fractures. Up to 50 per cent of proper committees for review. older people that survive a hip fracture If you are on medication for are left with some kind of disability. osteoporosis, remember to take it Wednesday, April 02, 2008 Many people will require long-term regularly. Dominion Bulletin Board nursing care. Up to 20 per cent of Section: RCL Many of those same steps will also seniors who have a hip fracture die help prevent falls. Conclusion: Falls from complications within a year. are not an inevitable part of aging and One in four women over the age of 50 neither is osteoporosis. Information, has osteoporosis. At least one in eight diet and exercise really can make a men over 50 also has the disease. difference. However, the disease can strike at Page 24 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 The Public Health website Legion boasts many VIPs was the general meeting with www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca around the world delegates being elected to the Zone contains further information and a Meeting in Kitimat on April 11 and 12. home safety checklist is good for all Although only elected delegates are ages. able to vote at these meetings, any You can also get osteoporosis and interested member of a Branch in the falls prevention information by Zone may attend. attending the seventh annual There is much of interest that happens information tea with guest presenter, Although the majority of Legion including the attendance of a Osteoporosis Canada area manager, members are ordinary folks like you Command Officer to share knowledge Judy Porteous, "Speaking of Bones", and me, the Legion can also boast and ideas with the Zone. at Maxwell Community Centre on May some well-known persons as 3, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. This event, also Honorary Officers. It is well worth attending and one more featuring exhibits and door prizes, is The Legion’s Patron is Her Excellency way in which we “REMEMBER co-sponsored by the Osprey Women's The Governor General. The Honorary THEM.” Institute R.O. S. E. program. Fee by Grand President is General (Ret’d.) donation. Contact Public Health at 519- Charles Belzile. Wednesday, April 02, 2008 881-1920 ext. 246 for more Terrace Standard Section: RCL information. For more information A well-known Canadian is an contact Osteoporosis Canada at 1-800- Honorary Vice President in the person 463-6842 or www.osteoporosis.ca of Chief of Defense Staff Hillier and War ID at heart of dying wish another one is The Commissioner of Add the following to increase calcium the RCMP. in your diet: HH Prince Floris of the Netherlands is Milk and milk products an Honorary Dominion Officer of The Salmon, canned with bones Royal Canadian Legion. Sardines, canned with bones The Prince’s grandmother had been sent to Canada during the Second Soy beverage, fortified World War for her safety and it was in Almonds Ottawa that she gave birth to Princess Brazil nuts Marguerite. Baked beans When Prince Floris was born, the Princess named The Royal Canadian Juno Beach, Landing at Bernières Kidney Beans Legion as his godparents. Credit: N.A. Canada Soybeans So you see, as a Legionnaire you are A British man is trying to track down a Chickpeas in fine company. Calgary family and return a Canadian White beans, cooked The week of March 10, The Legion Army ID card from the Second World War to fulfil his dead father's wishes. Tofu (check label) Branch #20, in Dauphin MB, hosted the Legion Dominion Curling William Brown's father served as a Bok Choy Championship. private with the Royal Army Medical Oranges It was a week of great camaraderie for Corps, a branch of the British army, Figs participants and onlookers alike. during the war. Broccoli It was a pleasure to see a former "My father wanted me to reunite the Terrace resident, now residing in card with the family," said the 58-year- Judy Porteous is the manager of Salmon Arm, Gord Duplisee skipping old son. "It was one of his final Osteoporosis Canada Area. wishes." Marguerite Thomas is a public health the BC/Yukon Command rink. nurse Although his was not the winning rink, William (Billy) Brown was attached to he came through well against stiff the Canadian Army as a medic and Wednesday, April 02, 2008 landed with Canadians on Juno Beach The Sun Times competition. Section: Seniors in the early hours of D-Day. He was Saskatchewan’s team from Saskatoon later wounded. were the winners with Manitoba placing second. While in hospital, Brown became friends with a Canadian named John The caliber of curling was excellent Osudar. with some of the participants being former Brier contenders. When Brown left the hospital a few weeks later to be airlifted to England, Closer to home, last Tuesday night Osudar gave him his Canadian Army The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 25 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 ID card as a memento. Now, 64 years heritage committee to examine the the 110,000 Canadians who "gave later, Brown's son wants to return the issue in a "dispassionate, thoughtful" their lives in the past century without ID card to its rightful owner. and "non-political" way and come up having the flag lowered specifically with a "consistent" policy. following their deaths ... and the best The son has done some research and way to do that is on Nov. 11." believes Osudar served with the Royal Kenney said the motion had just one Winnipeg Rifles and belonged to the hour of debate in the Commons, and Thursday, April 03, 2008 Calgary branch of the Royal Canadian didn't address all aspects of the flag tonda maccharles, The Star, Ottowa Bureau Legion. debate. "We shouldn't just rush to Section: Veterans some emotional judgment on this very He thinks Osudar passed away in important issue." 1995, so he is now hoping to track Lowering the flag for soldiers down Osudar's family. Current protocol requires the flag on dilutes its importance the Peace Tower and federal buildings The resident of Sunderland, in be lowered on the death of the Queen, northern England, said he had never the governor general, the prime heard of Osudar until recently, when minister, the chief justice, other his father was sorting through his war members of Parliament, like senators, belongings and shared the story. As a gesture of support for our troops, MPs, and privy councillors, and the House of Commons voted The former soldier died two weeks lieutenant governors. yesterday on whether to have the flag ago at age 84 after a battle with When Prime Minister Stephen Harper atop the Peace Tower lowered to half- cancer. took power two years ago, he staff every time a soldier is killed in "My father spoke fondly of (Osudar), reversed a practice his Liberal Afghanistan. as he did of all his former comrades," predecessors Jean Chrétien and Paul Rather than supporting our troops, I'd he said. Martin had adopted of lowering the argue it was a cynical political ploy flags on Parliament Hill each time a © The Calgary Herald 2008 aimed solely at embarrassing the Canadian soldier was killed in government of Stephen Harper, which Wednesday, April 02, 2008 Afghanistan or on other overseas has ruled that the flag be flown at half- Cailynn Klingbeil, Calgary Herald military missions. Section: Veterans mast only on Remembrance Day, Critics charged that Harper was trying Nov. 11, or on specific to draw attention away from the commemorative occasions, like the Commons votes to honour mounting casualties in Afghanistan. death of the Sovereign. fallen soldiers, But Tories Kenney appointed a panel to The motion to lower the Peace Tower Ignore Motion recommend a consistent policy. flag to honour the death of soldiers, That panel, made up of the past and either collectively or individually, was present chief government heralds, made by the usually sensible Liberal historians and a representative of the MP for Kitchener-Waterloo, Andrew Telegdi. Government ignores motion, says it Royal Canadian Legion, has called on will go with panel's suggestion. government to dramatically scale back It was supported by the Liberals, NDP the occasions on which the flag is and Bloc Quebecois, which are OTTAWA–A majority in the Commons lowered, to lend more weight to a notoriously anti-military, and have voted last night to lower the Peace gesture it says is diminished by long, varying records of cutting back Tower flag to half-mast upon the death overuse. our Armed Forces, crippling them with of a Canadian soldier overseas, but It would retain Remembrance Day as budget cuts, refusing new and better the government has said it will ignore equipment, and ignoring their efforts the motion. a day of national mourning for Canada's war dead, when the flag not only in warfare, but in years of UN By a vote of 142-115, Liberals, NDP, would drop to half-mast. peacekeeping. and Bloc Québécois MPs supported a The panel said the flag should no "We believe it is a sign of respect," the non-binding motion by Liberal MP CBC quoted NDP Leader Jack Layton Andrew Telegdi (Kitchener-Waterloo) longer be lowered for "special days": Vimy Ridge Day on April 9, Workers' as saying in support of lowering the calling for a change in the flag. Conservatives' practice. All 114 Tories Mourning Day on April 28, Police and who were in the Commons voted Peace Officers' National Memorial Day "Respect" for our military from Layton? against it, as did independent André on the last Sunday in September, and Poppycock. He neither understands Arthur (Portneuf-Jacques Cartier). the National Day of Remembrance soldiers nor likes soldiers -- else he and Action on Violence Against wouldn't be urging our troops be Jason Kenney, secretary of state for Women on Dec. 6. withdrawn from Afghanistan, where multiculturalism and Canadian identity, they are doing some good, and who commissioned a report that urged Kenney said veterans' organizations back the government's approach. He wanting them sent to Darfur where a more restrictive approach to they'd be hamstrung. lowering the flag, said before the vote said they believe it is "appropriate" to the government wants the Commons equally honour all soldiers, including Telegdi should also know better. He Page 26 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 says the Harper government "thinks it workplace of those killed in Canada's "I actually sang 'Amazing Grace' a is okay to lower the flag to honour the name. The same for police officers cappella during Sgt. Boyes' likes of Lord Conrad Black ... while and firefighters killed on duty. repatriation ... and that was the first completely ignoring those who make time they had someone do that, as Telegdi's motion would demean the the ultimate sacrifice in the service of well, so I felt really, really honoured meaning of the flag at half-staff, and I their country." and touched to be involved at all." suspect most people who have worn Wottinell is Telegdi talking about? their country's uniform would agree. Reid says it was her way of serving. When was the flag ever flown half- But I bet no one has asked them. In For her, singing and music has always staff for Black? Impertinent of him to the meantime, Harper is right not to been about gratitude and praise and assume he knows how soldiers feel, dilute the symbolic importance of the she's always felt music serves a when he has never been one. Peace Tower flag at half-staff. After higher purpose, as when it's used at all, soldiers killed in Afghanistan (and Cliff Chadderton, who heads the weddings and funerals. before that on UN peace missions) are National Council of Veteran the comrades of soldiers who went Her mind is still brimming with vividly Associations (55 member groups), before them in Korea, WWII, World fresh memories days later and you says the Peace Tower flag should be War I and even the Boer war. can hear it in her voice during a phone lowered only on Remembrance Day, interview from her home in Toronto. otherwise it loses its symbolic Thursday, April 03, 2008 significance if lowered for individual PETER WORTHINGTON, TORONTO SUN "Every single soldier that I met there soldiers killed. Section: Veterans knocked me out with his and her integrity and commitment, and 'DISTINCTION' gratitude that we were there." "We do not draw a distinction between Command performance The trip was almost a year in the a death in Afghanistan and one in making. Last April, Reid was invited to Normandy (in World War II)," he says. perform at the 90th anniversary of The Canadian Legion agrees. Vimy Ridge at the Cabot Club in St. John's. While the Opposition MPs may think they have the Tories squirming over She had recorded two First World War- the flag issue -- they're wrong. era songs a cappella that her dad used to sing to her. The songs were As has been pointed out, if Telegdi's "Valleys of Kilbride," written by a motion was passed in WWII, there'd soldier after the war about a fallen not have been a day throughout the comrade, and "Green Fields of France war that the flag would not have flown Singer Lori Anna Reid is surrounded by / No Man's Land," about a soldier who at half-staff. Afghan children during her recent trip to perform for Canadian troops in gave up his life. Canada's former chief herald (what Afghanistan. At the time, she wasn't sure if she the hell is a chief herald?) Robert Watt Credit: Yannick Beauvalet/Department of should sing the latter song because and four experts recommend a new National Defence the last verse comments on the futility protocol for the Peace Tower flag at Afghan experience a powerful one of war, which she thought was half-staff. for Newfoundland singer. inappropriate and disrespectful They would limit it to the deaths of Lori Anna Reid went to Kandahar to because of the ongoing conflict in current and former representatives of sing for the Canadian troops and was Afghanistan. She sang the song but the Crown, the PM and Supreme almost immediately confronted by left out the last verse. Court chief justice. death. After her performance she returned to As it stands now, the flag is lowered The first thing the St. John's native her seat. Shortly after, she felt a hand on the deaths of present and former learned after getting off the plane in on her shoulder. It was Gen. Rick MPs, senators, and on the anniversary Afghanistan was that Sgt. Jason Hillier, the commanding officer of the of the massacre of 14 women in Boyes of Napanee, Ont., had just Canadian Forces, and a fellow Montreal, Vimy Ridge Day, Workers been killed. Newfoundlander. Mourning Day, and for Police and Hillier told her "Willy McBride" is his Peace Officers Mourning Day. He was the 81st Canadian soldier to favourite song and that he only owns (Telegdi would add lowering the flag die in Afghanistan. four CDs, all of which have a version. for victims of the Asian Exclusion Act Reid and other members of her Hillier told Reid that hers was his and Chinese Head Tax, all of whom delegation were invited to his favourite. he regards as "Canadian heroes and repatriation ceremony the next should be honoured as such." morning. From that meeting, Reid was invited to visit the troops in Afghanistan that Ridiculous. "It was the first time there was ever May, but she had to cancel due to a The flag should be lowered in the any civilians invited to these severe case of bronchitis. regiments, the hometowns, the ceremonies," says Reid. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 27 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 Hillier never forgot her and invited her Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo got decked finish." to accompany him on the morale- out in fatigues and safety gear and Reid says that shows unimaginable boosting mission this year. went outside the wire with some team spirit. "There's no question that Canadian troops to distribute food, The weekend before Easter, Reid and those soldiers need to be there," she clothes and other supplies to Afghan her guitar player and musical says children. collaborator, Gregg Lawless, boarded Thursday, April 03, 2008 a plane for Afghanistan along with the "The most incredible thing for me was DAVE BARTLETT,The Telegram band Blue Rodeo, French Canadian just getting out of the Jeep and Section: Afghanistan rocker Jonas, and a group of former standing amongst these children, NHL players - not to mention the amongst these girls, 'cause you never Stanley Cup. see women and girls in Afghanistan," Turkey's Last WWI Veteran she says. "They're, like, invisible." Dies The repatriation ceremony for Sgt. Jason Boyes wouldn't be the last one Reid made sure she reached out and Reid would witness during her week in held the hands of as many girls as she Afghanistan. could, not sure if anyone had ever done so before. She tried to shake the But it wasn't all grim. hands with the boys, as well, but they Reid took in three or four hockey knocked her hand away. She says in games during Hockey Night in their culture, it's inappropriate for Kandahar. Soldiers and former NHL women to touch males. players, mostly enforcers, played the On the return to the Canadian base, games on a dusty field, a long way the Jeep drove through an old hangar. from the frozen rinks that are as The soldiers told her it was the last common as doughnut shops in stronghold of the Taliban and a place Canada. where they would hang educated She also met up with two of her women. World War I veteran Yakup Satar in a cousins - Cpl. Glen Butt of Port aux Later that evening, before they were to photo dated January 18, 2007. Basques, who's a communications board the plane for home, the group technician, and Judy Reid, a civilian ANKARA, April 3--Turkey's last received more bad news. Two originally from Labrador who served surviving World War I veteran, who American soldiers had been killed. with the forces in Bosnia. fought the British at Basra more than "The moon was shining and there 90 years ago, has died aged 110, Reid and each of the other visitors were hundreds and hundreds of press reports said Thursday. were paired with soldiers at mealtime. soldiers lined up while the coffins were Yakup Satar, father of six and One soldier asked Reid to tell the brought down out of the aircraft," Reid grandfather of some 50 grandchildren, soldiers' stories upon her return to says. died late Wednesday surrounded by Canada. He was 54 and had retired "It was incredibly beautiful and his family in the town of Eskisehir, from the Forces in 1994 and settled in incredibly eerie and sad, and it just northwest of Ankara. Saskatchewan. crystallized why we were there." Hurriyet newspaper said Satar had About a year ago, he and his wife sold She says before the trip she wasn't been conscripted into the Ottoman their home and he re-enlisted. Reid sure she had much in common with army, allied to Germany during the says his dedication shows the troops' the troops or the hockey players, but 1914-18 war, and was sent to the mettle. looking back, she says they all have Mesopotamian front. The day before Good Friday, Reid and one thing in common. As an infantryman, he fought British- the other musicians performed for the "The team spirit is what keeps the led forces at Basra, now in southern troops. Forces going. It's how everything is Iraq and still a hotspot, and was taken She says more than 1,000 NATO gelled together. And that's true in prisoner at Kut in 1917. soldiers - Americans, Dutch, hockey and that's true in music, in a His father Zeki Bey was a Crimean Australians and Canadians - gathered band. That's true in an orchestra. It's Tatar leader who fought for to hear her, Blue Rodeo and Jonas not about one person and one independence from Tsarist Russia. play. In the back of the dusty field, person's ego. soldiers pulled up in tanks which they After his basic military training, "Gen. Hillier told me after the sat on for a better view. German officers selected him with 200 repatriation ceremony that they found other recruits for a further special "I've sung all over the world and seen out Sgt. Boyes had his limbs blown off army course. some amazing places, but this was and was lying there for a few hours unbelievable," says Reid. "By far the before he died. While he was lying Yakup Satar told Hurriyet in 2003: "We most incredible experience," there he was still giving orders to his had special uniforms and the troops telling them what to do, how to Germans provided us with masks ... On Easter Sunday, she, Jonas and we found out later our company was Page 28 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 to be called 'gazcilar'-the 'gas soldiers'- Section: Miscellaneous typed and bound. chosen to attack the enemy with gas." When Ibbotson died, his effects, Top-level public figures led by Back To Vimy including the diary, were passed on to President Abdullah Gul, published his regiment, the First Hussars messages of condolence on his death. Regiment. He will receive military honors at his London teacher Joe Murray, a colonel funeral, Anatolia news agency said. in that regiment, lent a copy to The Free Press as the 90th anniversary of Satar's death means that only eight the battle of Vimy Ridge approaches. men who served in their countries' armed forces during World War I are The diary reveals the changes in known to be still alive around the Leonard, a member of a prominent world. and wealthy London family, wrought by the years of fighting. They include three from Britain, two from Italy, one from the United States, He earlier complained of being one from Canada and one from awakened at night by shells, gunfire, Germany who fought in the Austro- cave-ins, and the sounds of too many Hungarian army Lt.-Col. Woodman LeonardÂ’s diary men crowded into dugout pits. reveals how he changed as the First World Thursday, April 03, 2008 War progressed. By the time he entered his third year Alalam News on the front, he could sleep through Section: Veterans Credit: MIKE HENSEN/Sun Media almost anything. Ten months before the battle of Vimy Feb 16, 1917: FEEDBACK REQUESTED Ridge, Lt.-Col Woodman Leonard of "Terrific firing at 3 London watched a German shell land a.m., but we had been warned of a on a machine-gun dugout. raid on our right, so I rolled over again and went to sleep." "Helped get the bodies out and sent the wounded away," he wrote in his The Canadians spent much of diary for June 16, 1916 February and March preparing for the battle and making small raids to "Poor Murray's body was badly collect prisoners and information. mutilated, the others are worse. A Greetings readers. terrible business and a great shock to In those months, Leonard's diary me. (Murray's) body was the first we entries are often terse, but it is unclear By now you should have noticed the got out and I did not know who it was, if that is because of the intense cold, new forum area and that you, as he was so badly smashed up. Got exhaustion, or rising tension. members, can add your comments on some things out of his pockets but it the various articles. As Z day, the day of the assault on was impossible to go through all. His Vimy Ridge approached, Leonard However, it appears that very few ring and watch were apparently blown began to understand the enormity of people are using the forum area, and off. Wrapped him in blankets as his own role in the battle. He nobody is posting comments on the decently as possible and sent him off commanded the 3rd Brigade, articles. As webmaster, I am on a wagon . . . Canadian Field Artillery. wondering why this is. "Later the moon came up, almost full, March 18, 1917: "The ground to be If you are having issues signing in as cold and calm. Somehow or other, taken between us and Vimy Ridge is a member I’d appreciate it if you would under present circumstances, it of great depth and the field guns have contact me for assistance. seemed more unfeeling than ever, to be moved forward before the final almost uncanny. If there is some other reason that you objective can be safely held, if gained feel unwilling to post comments or "Poor Murray! Generous and capable. The scheme is working out very forum topics I’d REALLY like to know. I wonder how many us will survive him minutely and will mean a lot of work. any length of time." The nut we have to crack is a hard If you have any general comments on one." the website, or have suggestions for By the time he wrote those words, things you would like to see changed upset over the death of an officer and March 27, 1917: "Commanders or added, please send that along too. friend, Leonard had been on the front confirmed my impression that 3rd lines in the First World War for 16 Brigade will cross enemy's front line in Click on the link below to contact me months, had been injured several advance of any other unit." directly. times, and had been in the thick of Leonard faced repeated changes in All such correspondence will be dozens of major battles. treated as confidential. his orders, which forced him to change Each day, he wrote his experiences positions of batteries time and time Thursday, April 03, 2008 and thoughts in a diary. After he died, again. He also struggled to find good WEBMASTER his brother, Ibbotson Leonard, had it roads to move up the batteries during The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 29 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 battle. months." commanded the First Canadian Army in the Second World War.) By the end of March, he started to His last line is practical and prosaic, sleep less, his hands swollen and in certainly speaks of Leonard's lack of DeGruchy cut open Leonard's coat pain from the cold and wet. foreboding. "Will get a weather report and the Sam Brown strap that crossed at 3:30 a.m." his chest and waist. The wound In the grey skies above, the British looked minor, and he applied iodine. and German flyers started what * * * He managed to get a stretcher in five became known as Bloody April. In that Brother Ibbotson Leonard was serving minutes and two soldiers began month, the Royal Flying Corps with the First Hussars only a few carrying Leonard to a field station. suffered about three times as many kilometres away. He wrote the last losses as the Germans, led by DeGruchy had to hold onto Leonard's entries in his brother's diary, based on Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von hands, because Leonard couldn't interviews with soldiers. Richthofen, the Red Baron. seem to work his own arms Leonard was up before sunrise on the March 24, 1917: "(German) planes Is there anything on my chest? roof of his dugout watching the very active," Leonard noted. Leonard asked. bombardment. "They have a small red one that can Are my legs straight out? The artillery led the 'creeping barrage' fly rings around ours, which flies so ahead of the four divisions on infantry He was taken from the field station to low that the observer can be seen. in the 1st Canadian Corps. a hospital, six kilometres away. They certainly have the mastery just now." As the great guns destroyed the As Leonard was carried by ambulance enemy barbed wire and German to the rear of the front lines, his Preparations for Z day intensified the posts, the infantry crept behind, ready brother took the same road forward to first week of April. Supply lines moved to attack German soldiers. the front. forward. Eight tanks moved into the woods behind Leonard's batteries to Leonard took a breakfast at 7 a.m. "I must have passed (him) . . . on my support his attack. then moved forward to the front lines way up," Ibbotson wrote. to check the positions of the batteries. April 5, 1917: "The corps put on a Leonard kept asking: Are my legs The batteries were to cease firing at test barrage at 8 a.m. and it looked straight? 11 a.m., but be ready to move to cover pretty good, but we might just as well the infantry in the afternoon. He knew more than the others the send (the Germans) a note telling trouble he was in. them where we are going to attack." "It was raining quite hard so he wore his old slicker and carried his cane," I am done for. I have no feeling in my The short, sharp entries reveal the Ibbotson wrote. legs or arms, he told the stretcher surreality of war, especially in the bearers. trenches before the battle. As calmly "He had on his oldest clothes with a as he writes about settling finances, hypodermic needle, with two charges By the time he reached the field Leonard writes about fighting. of morphia (a pain-killer issues to hospital, his pulse and heart were soldiers in the field) , which I believe weak. The shell penetrated the back "Paid some bills, which cleans up he always carried. When found later, of his shoulder and where the arm necessary arrears . . . Infantry patrols one charge had been used." joins the body, piercing his nervous were over in the German trenches all system. p.m. trying to catch one alive." Leonard and some of his officers walked up a plank road, crossing the "As there were hundreds of cases The assault was delayed on Good captured German trenches. He and waiting," doctors simply moved Friday by bad weather. On Easter another officer made a detour as the Leonard to a casualty clearing station, Sunday, April 8, 1917, Leonard Germans were shelling one battery. Ibbotson wrote. made his last entry in th diary. Several shells fell closer than the one By the time Leonard reached the It was typical, a mixture of calm that killed him. clearing station, he was dead. observation about the weather and the About 9:30 a.m., a shell fell about 30 war. "I took charge of the dear remains metres away, killing one soldier, about 3 a.m. on Tuesday, and spent a Germans "shelled us every hour until damaging the knee of another soldier sacred 10 minutes with them. He dawn, but did no harm," he wrote. named DeGruchy and hitting Leonard looked very peaceful and had not in the shoulder. "Very bright but still almost appearance of suffering," Ibbotson unpleasantly cold. After dinner I was DeGruchy didn't see Leonard fall, and wrote. seated on the horse bar in pleasant rushed to the body of the killed soldier. Leonard was buried in France the next contemplation when a 5.9 (shell) A minute later, he made it to Leonard. day, Wednesday, April 11, 1917. landed and burst about 30 yards "Look after yourself, I am done for," away. I made good time to a dug-out, On April 9, 1918, the first Leonard told him. "Tell Crerar to take thinking there were more due but the anniversary of Vimy Ridge, Ibbotson over and carry on." (Henry Crerar was did not materialize. Renewed my Leonard wrote about his brother: a lieutenant-colonel, and later subscription to London Times for six Page 30 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 "As I look back over the past year and of Veterans Affairs, is proud to Sir: I read with great interest and the life together at home, at school announce that Ste. Anne's Hospital approval of Mr. Jim McIntyre's letter to and college, in business and latterly in has affiliated with McGill University in the editor in the Chatham Daily News. Belgium and France, my feeling of a collaboration that will further I am a Second World War veteran. I pride in him, his character, his enhance Canada's care for our decided two years ago to visit some of achievements and his sacrifice, and Veterans. This affiliation formalizes a the places I served in during the war. the beauty of our past friendship and partnership that has been in place for intercourse, it makes me proud and several years and sets the stage for This was a two-month trip; alone and happy to have had him as a brother, closer academic collaboration and for the most part, backpacking. I went and seems to diminish the regrets and research. to Ortona, Italy, the scene of one of longings I know we all will feel in the the Second World War's major battles "Ste. Anne's Hospital has a proud future without the light of his earthly (all Canadians). An Italian history of providing a high quality of countenance." schoolteacher, Servio Du-Tullo, and care to our Veterans," said Minister friend of a local teacher David * * * Thompson. "This agreement will Mekowetsky, very graciously drove enhance our support to Veterans who Woodman Leonard carried several me to the Moro River Cemetery; 1,400 will benefit from the skilled clippings of poems in his pockets, Canadians are buried there. professionals participating in the found after his death. internship and residency programs at I spent some time alone there; and They included this verse, From the the Hospital." had time to recall. Dead to the Living, by Laurence Established in 1917, Ste. Anne's is the We had a church parade prior to Binyon: last remaining Veterans Affairs Ortona, in a field, to the sound of "O you that still have rain and sun Canada hospital to administer care guns. The padre spoke about prayer, and services exclusively to Veterans. (we needed plenty). Kisses of children and of wife McGill University was ranked the best I talked to the soldier next to me, and And the good earth to tread upon public university in North America in we introduced ourselves, his name 2007 according to Times Higher - QS. And the mere sweetness that is life was Rob, but I can't recall the last The affiliation will also intensify name. Forget not us, who gave all these research activities at Ste. Anne's I heard one of his pals call him For something dearer and for you! Hospital in important clinical fields "Robbie." The Padre preached about such as dementia, nutrition, pain Think in what cause we crossed the prayer; Robbie turned to me and management and operational stress seas! asked, "Do you believe in prayer?" I injuries. said I did. "Well", said he, "the only Remember, he who fails the challenge "This important research will make a prayer I know I learned at school; I real and lasting difference in the lives never went to a church." Fails us too. of our Veterans, Canadian Forces We walked away after the parade, he Randy Richmond is a Free Press Members and Royal Canadian turned to me and asked, "Did you go reporter. Mounted Police," added Minister to church?" Thompson. "And the benefits will also Thursday, April 03, 2008 help all Canadians through advances "Yes", I replied. Randy Richmond , Sun Media Apr 2 2007 in areas such as pain management Section: Veterans Robbie said, "You know the way and mental health." things are going, many of us will be down there," as he pointed to the Ste. Anne's Hospital Thursday, April 03, 2008 Veteran Affairs Canada ground. Announces Affiliation with Section: Veterans McGill University "Do you think there is anything after?" I said I did. He replied " But what Veteran: We shouldn't have to chance do I have? I never had any give up prayer prayers, only at school." I replied "Robbie, you will always be in the front line." That was 63 years ago - the Robbies today do not have prayer at school. In two world wars, Canadian boys and girls fought and died to help people from other countries, now they come McGill University, Montreal to "our Canada" and expect we should give up an important part of our life! Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister And we let our lawmakers do this. Oh, The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 31 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 yes, we are the mute majority. Our War also sends home young men and I had to look closely at his face to ancestors came to Canada with axe, women with injuries. How hard it must verify it was him. I didn't know what saw, fire, and prayer and hewed from be for doctors to try to tell the parents else to do. He was about 200 pounds the wilderness, homes and schools and loved ones a prognosis. In too when he left for war. When I found him with prayer. many cases the injured have to learn he was 88 pounds. I just couldn't life skills, from walking to reading, all recognize him. But he was well. He Let's not give up this part of our over again. Mothers remember was playing cards with others who heritage. bringing up the child, sitting up nights could. Tell our politicians, "Do not forget that through sicknesses as their baby This is only one story. My brother and we pay your wages." They might not turned from toddler to teenager. I went to war about the same time. remember. First visits to the injured loved one are When I got home I learned some Hugh Johnston the worst. Relatives don't know what church-goers prayed for our safety to expect. while we were over there. Blenheim Unless they still have their faces, too My brother has learned to live with his Friday, April 04, 2008 many patients have to be pointed out injuries with little or no help. Others Hugh Johnston, Blenheim, The Chatham Daily by nurses and attendants. Some have today and in past wars have to be News Section: Veterans to check the clipboard. Even a patient treated as newborns or toddlers the losing so much weight can largely rest of their lives. For some, it's not too distort the image remembered by the long. For others, it is unmercifully long. Veteran: Injuries of war loved ones. When I was over there, caught in extend from soldiers to With four family members and a many horrible firefights, the kind my families girlfriend I went to Walter Reed, the brother got trapped in, I hoped only I top U.S. Army hospital in Washington, could fight better than the soldiers D.C. to see my badly wounded trying to kill me. When I came home, I brother. He had already spent months couldn't help believing the "enemy" in hospitals overseas where doctors hoped the same things we all did - that spent operation after operation in futile we could all go home to our families. attempts to get him healthy enough to bring to U.S. hospitals - so serious Bud Whiteye is a member of the was his condition he would not survive Walpole Island First Nation and is a the long trip unless well enough. communications consultant for the Heritage Centre at Walpole Island. For weeks and months before the doctors had him ready, we got so As a war veteran, it's hard for me not Friday, April 04, 2008 many messages: "He will, he won't, he to notice the United States has lost Bud Whiteye, Walpole Island First Nation, The will, he won't survive. His prognosis is Niagara Falls Review 4,000 young soldiers and not say a very guarded." Section: Veterans word about it. I went to the local medical clinic to ask Canada's mortality rate in the same a doctor what "guarded prognosis" Using soldiers as political "war on terror" is rising as well. meant. "Don't hold out too much hope pawns Whether it's a teenager just out of high that he'll survive," was the answer. school or a seasoned staff sergeant or At Walter Reed, we had to find him officer, one death from war tears apart first. Although there were nurses, many homes. Mom's and dad's home, there were so many wounded, the his aunt's and uncle's homes, his There's a stretch of Highway 401 head nurse told me only what floor to cousin's, his brother's and his between Trenton and Toronto known find him on. So, we had to look for the girlfriend's homes and perhaps, most as the Highway of Heroes. Renamed healthy young man he was when he sad, the home of his children. in 2007, the 172-kilometre stretch left. We had no idea how he could beginning at CFB Trenton is used by Each death brings at-home survivors possibly appear, not after the many thousands of Canadians who wave to their knees in uncontrollable "Western Unions" telling us he was flags and stand proudly as military screams, each person with a terrible not responding to treatment again. vehicles carrying Canada's casualties want to say one more thing to their Each message caused untold fear and from Afghanistan roll by, in a show of lost child, husband, wife or father. So a darkness that would not go away. support for their families and our many caring parents mourn silently On the huge ward, I walked right by nation's mission there. over what could have been, having him. He was in a wheelchair trying known full well their child's plans and On March 6, as I was returning home desperately to turn and call out to me dreams, and most of all, their plans to from a ski trip in Quebec, I found at the same time. He recognized me. come home safe and proud that they myself just in front of a military convoy His girlfriend called to me and pointed answered the call Canada asked of carrying the body of Trooper Michael out this "stranger" as my brother. them. Yuki Hayakaze, 25, of the Lord Page 32 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Strathcona's Horse (Royal Remembrance Day. Other than that, Mark Cripps, Stoney Creek News Canadians), based at CFB Edmonton, the flag would only be lowered for the Section: Veterans Alberta. The soldier was killed when death of the sovereign, prime minister his armoured vehicle struck an or the chief justice. Statement by the Minister of explosive device west of Kandahar Aside from ending the practice of National Defence on the City in early March. lowering the flag every time a soldier Ombudsman’s Report It was a grey and cloudy day as I is killed in Afghanistan, the report headed home, matching the emotions recommends eliminating half-mast of this sombre stretch of highway. treatment for Vimy Ridge Day (April 9), the Police and Peace Officers People were amassed on every bridge National Memorial Day (last Sunday in crossing from Trenton to Toronto, September), Workers Mourning Day waving flags and expressing their (April 28) and the National Day of gratitude to a young soldier who paid Remembrance and Action on Violence the ultimate sacrifice for his country Against Women (Dec. 6). and for the people of Afghanistan. The Liberals are the thrust behind the Ordinary citizens, veterans, police motion that has basically made the officers, ambulance and fire crews; gesture of lowering the flag with they were all there, taking time out of increased frequency pretty much a their days to honour this young man. joke. Remember, this is the same There were pipers standing on guard, government that while in power waiting to belt out Amazing Grace as slashed military spending to all-time the convoy approached. lows. The Liberals are supported by Ottawa - The Honourable Peter It's a scene that has played out the NDP and Bloc, who both want Gordon MacKay, Minister of National dozens of times over the past few Canada's soldiers pulled out of Defence and Minister of the Atlantic years as the bodies of Canada's brave Afghanistan. Canada Opportunities Agency, issued soldiers are repatriated. the following statement today in Did anyone bother to ask the soldiers response to concerns expressed by As I drove down this Highway of what they think? the Interim Ombudsman regarding Heroes, I was overwhelmed by The National Council of Veteran treatment and compensation of injured feelings of pride. It's nice to know that Associations supports a minimalist Reserve Forces personnel. many Canadians are willing to take approach to flag lowering. the time to honour these fallen "Reservists play an important role in soldiers in a tangible way. "We do not draw a distinction between Canada's security, both at home and a death in Afghanistan and one in abroad. Their quality of life is a priority It's quite a juxtaposition to those who Normandy," said association chair Cliff for the Government of Canada. The use Canada's dead war heroes as Chadderton. Department of National Defence and political pawns. the Canadian Forces welcome the So if the military community isn't This week, the House of Commons Ombudsman's report on issues advocating for this, who is? voted on an Opposition motion calling concerning these valued personnel. for the flag to be lowered on the If these politicians are so concerned We share the Ombudsman's concerns Peace Tower at Parliament Hill every about honouring Canada's war dead, with respect to the treatment and time a soldier is killed in Afghanistan. why not introduce a motion making compensation of Reservists, and are This rather new practice was started Remembrance Day a national now looking at what must be done to about four years ago by former Primer statutory holiday. Nov. 11 is the day correct the situation. In fact, we are Minister Jean ChrÈtien. we honour those who have served in taking action regarding one of the the defence of our nation and for the However, in my opinion, this motion is Ombudsman's recommendations. good of others. And that includes all about politics. soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Reservists injured while on An advisory committee tasked by the deployment receive the same care, Our soldiers fight so that our flag can government to report on protocols for and are entitled to the same level of fly at full mast. lowering the flag at the Peace Tower compensation, as Regular Forces advised against the current up-and- In my opinion, the politicians behind members. A proposal to standardize down practice. this motion are trying to use dead compensation so that Reservists soldiers to embarrass the government. injured at home also qualify for the The panel was headed by Robert And that, in my opinion, is sickening. I maximum amount of compensation is Watt, the former chief herald of can guarantee not one of these currently being reviewed. Canada and included non-partisan politicians has lined up on the protocol experts and historians. The This government is standing by our Highway of Heroes to pay tribute to a recommendations call for an even military personnel, and we have been fallen soldier. stricter policy that would shrink the proactive, with Labour Minister Blackburn actively moving on job frequency of flag lowerings to one day - Friday, April 04, 2008 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 33 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 protection for reservists who work in force member are involved in the including transportation difficulties, the federal public service and federally same accident and each loses one of loss of training or duty time and regulated industries. their hands, the regular-force member ongoing care challenges." would be compensated for up to The Department of National Defence The 64-page report notes that "more $125,000, compared to the reservist and the Canadian Forces appreciate and more, reserve-force members are who would receive a maximum of the good work of the Ombudsman and being called upon to assist the $50,000," Mary McFadyen, the her staff. We have put the wheels in Canadian Forces in delivering on its military’s interim ombudsman, told motion to ensure that Reservists and mandate," and that about 20 per cent reporters Thursday. Regular Forces personnel are of Canada’s contingent in Afghanistan compensated fairly following injury. "This is unacceptable. The limb of a are reservists. We will continue to work closely with reservist is worth the same as the limb Ms. McFadyen said reservists injured the Ombudsman to resolve challenges of a regular-force member." in Afghanistan are entitled to the same involving standards of care as quickly The military has denied reservists care treatment as regular-force soldiers. as possible." because they are technically not on But that’s not the case across the Friday, April 04, 2008 duty, Ms. McFadyen said. board. DND "Investigators were told of a case "In return for their commitment to train Section: Veterans where a reservist injured himself one and serve their country, reservists evening while on duty at his unit," she rightfully expect to receive the best Ombudsman’s Report: said. "At that time, no medical care possible when they are injured or Reservists shafted on health personnel were on duty. become ill while on duty or away from their home while performing military "The next morning, he presented service," says the report, titled himself to Canadian Forces medical Reserved Care. authorities for care. But since he was not considered to be on duty that Standards are different or applied morning, he was told he was not differently to reservists when it comes eligible to receive care for the injury. to "periodic health assessments, This is clearly unfair. Quite frankly, the immunizations, the treatment of rule should be if you break them, you injuries sustained while maintaining fix them." physical fitness, and medical record- handling and storage," says the report. Reservists injured while on duty face many challenges when it comes to Health-care regulations governing getting medical care, Ms. McFadyen reservists are confusing, it says. said. "As a result, there are huge inequities "Regular-force members do not face in the interpretation of when health the same challenges," she said. care will be provided, which is Military ombudsman finds major frustrating for medical officials and "These problems are not new. They inequities in medical benefits reservists." have existed for decades, despite some attempts by the Canadian "No one is really 100 per cent sure Military brass often trumpet that it’s Forces to resolve them. Nevertheless, who gets what,"" the military’s director impossible to tell reservists from these issues continue to plague general of health services told regular-force soldiers in the field, but a reservists and also health-care investigators in January 2007. damning report released Thursday providers." ""Nobody really knows, including me, shows the difference once some part- and I run the system." time warriors are injured. The probe reveals significant differences in the way the military NDP MP Peter Stoffer was livid Investigators working for the military provides health care to reservists. Thursday after reading that quote from ombudsman’s office interviewed the report. almost 400 people — most of them "At some times and some places, reservists — since 2006 and reviewed reservists receive all aspects of "Un-friggin’-believable," said Mr. mountains of documents to get to the medical care through the military Stoffer, who represents Sackville- bottom of complaints about how the health system, including followup care Eastern Shore. such as physiotherapy, transportation Canadian Forces treats injured The problem isn’t a new one, he said. reservists. to medical appointments and pay for their time," Ms. McFad-yen said. "The auditor general’s report came out Among their findings is the bombshell a while ago slamming this and all we "At other times and in other places, that compensation for reservists who hear are platitudes — ‘Yes, we’re reservists may receive initial acute lose a limb is only 40 per cent of what going to improve things.’ " regular-force soldiers receive. care for their injuries and are then referred to the provincial system. This The report makes 12 "If a part-time reservist and a regular- brings numerous complications, recommendations to improve the Page 34 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) system, including that all Forces may only deepen the mystery of why He thinks the images of a largely members should receive the same none of its crew survived a battle with intact hull tell a tragic tale of large compensation for the same injury and the raider Kormoran off the West numbers of survivors perishing in the that the military should develop a new Australian coast in November 1941. sea. framework governing the entitlement They show all Sydney's lifeboats "It sank slowly and most of the battle to and provision of medical and dental missing, suggesting sailors may have survivors would have got off and that care for the various categories of escaped the sinking warship to an might have been two-thirds of the reservists. unknown fate in boats possibly badly crew," he said. "These problems are serious. They damaged in the battle. That is up to 400 men. affect morale and quality of life," Ms. The photos, released by the Finding McFadyen said. "Reserve personnel "Now we know the wreck location, we Sydney Foundation, are coloured a must be treated fairly and it is can plot the data from the time of the deep shade of blue by the Indian imperative that changes be made search and see just how far off they Ocean. quickly." were." They were taken 2.5km deep by a The Conservative government "values Search director David Mearns said the remotely operated vehicle, and clearly the contributions of reservists in name Sydney was not visible. show the damage the Kormoran contributing to our safety and well- inflicted. The US shipwreck hunter said the being and we care about the quality of footage indicated Sydney hit the their life," Dan Dugas, director of The pictures prove that Sydney did not seabed stern first before sliding 50m communications for Defence Minister simply explode into a million pieces. to her final resting place. The impact Peter MacKay, said in an e-mail But the foundation says funnels and sheared off a huge propeller shaft and "Minister MacKay has put the wheels masts are gone, shell holes have the funnels. in motion to ensure reservists and punched through gun turrets, the bow The wreck was found last month -- 66 regular-force soldiers are is missing and there is severe years after it was lost with all 645 crew compensated equally following injury, punishment to the bridge and -- 250km off the coast of WA. The and that shows our determination to superstructure, known to have been Kormoran wreck was nearby. make things right for our reservists," the targets of Kormoran's guns. said Mr. Dugas. The team aboard the Geosounder has The peeling back of the ship's side much more work to do in a limited could have been the result of a Friday, April 04, 2008 time, with an uncertain period of calm torpedo strike, says observer and CHRIS LAMBIE Staff Reporter, The Chronicle weather ahead and a technical fault Herald naval historian John Perryman. Section: Veterans hampering the remotely operated In his analysis of images from the vehicle. survey vessel Geosounder, he said: "Nevertheless, the underwater visibility HMAS Sydney bathed in blue "Although in a badly damaged state, is superb and we intend to collect as this great warship retains a powerful light much video and photographic imagery aura." as we possibly can after the ROV is The images show Sydney's four big recovered and repaired," Mr Mearns gun turrets remain, its guns pointing to said. port -- the direction of Kormoran's Retired Royal Australian Navy attack -- indicating the warship fought commodore Rory Burnett, the son of to the bitter end. Sydney captain Joseph Burnett, said Even the teak deck is visible in places. the images would comfort relatives. Until yesterday, Mr Burnett had last Doug Price, from the HMAS Sydney seen the Sydney as an 11-year-old Association, said the intact decking when his father gave him a tour. History: This image shows the B gun turret raised serious doubts over Kormoran of the HMAS Sydney lying in deep water survivors' claim that Sydney was "The images evoke a sadness again off the coast of Western Australia, 66 years "ablaze from stem to stern" as she at the loss of my father and the whole after the pride of the Australian wartime limped over the horizon. ship's company, but the finding of the fleet sank to the ocean floor leaving no ship and the photographs provide a "Surely the teak would have burned," trace of the 645 crew onboard. positive point for our mourning," Mr Credit: AFP he said. Burnett said. HMAS Sydney sits proudly upright on John Riley, a shipwreck deterioration What happened to the Sydney's crew the ocean floor, but the first images of expert, said the Sydney was the most will be considered in a fresh inquiry the pride of the Australian fleet show intact wreck he had seen. the terrible destruction wrought by into the sinking. German guns during World War II. "She is upright, her teak decks are clearly visible and she is much more Friday, April 04, 2008 Ghostly photos released yesterday amazing than I expected," he said. Mark Dunn, The Herald Sun Section: Veterans Canadian Artist Chosen To who represents veterans' groups on planning meeting where it was given Create New 'Centrepiece' the steering group, said: “We are approval, claiming there was too much grateful that things are moving forward public pressure on them to make a Sculpture For UK Memorial so fast on the memorial, and we are decision. Gardens delighted with the appointment of Paul de Monchaux to create the Friday, April 04, 2008 commemorative feature. DAN GRIMMER, Norwich Evening Times Section: Miscellaneous “The steering group is now meeting regularly and work is progressing well on the memorial.” Book honours servicemen Ben Webster, design quality manager for Norwich City Council, said: “We are very pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Paul de Monchaux, and we are looking Paul de Monchaux forward to working with him on this Credit: Norwich Evening News project. An award-winning Canadian artist has “Paul has not been told what form the been chosen to create a new feature should take. The brief gives centrepiece for Norwich's memorial ample scope for the expression of his gardens, to fill the space which will be creative talent. It is intended not only left when the war memorial is finally to commemorate the sacrifices and moved and turned around. Leonard Gamble is co-author of So Far hardships of local people in war, but From Home. Paul de Monchaux has been selected also mark the furtherance of peace.” The book launch for So Far From by a specially set up group to design a The design for the feature will be Home by Leonard J. Gamble with L.R. new commemorative feature within the created in full consultation with the Neden and Marc Tremblay will be held gardens, which have been off limits to various groups represented on the Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the the public for years. steering group, and take into account Royal Canadian Legion in Armstrong. As part of the long awaited work to the public comments on thoughts and The book tells the stories of the men refurbish the gardens, the Sir Edwin emotions the gardens should evoke. from the Armstrong area who died in Lutyens designed war memorial will Visual arts development agency the First World War, embedding each be raised onto St Peters Street and Commissions East managed the account in the larger story of the turned to face City Hall - creating new process of selecting the artist on evolution of the Canadian space for a £65,000 commemorative behalf of Norwich City Council. Expeditionary Force itself. The book is feature. A concept design for the feature will 278 pages long with many pictures, A group set up to decide what be submitted to the steering group by both present day and historical. There happens in the gardens, including war May 28 and public consultation on the are photos of more than half of the 62 veterans and representatives from the whole Memorial Gardens project will servicemen featured included in the Peace Council, Norwich Society, start in June. book. Central Norwich Citizen's Forum, Copies of the book will be available for Norwich City Council and others, Detailed designs for the new feature sale for $25 and the authors will be in plumped for Mr de Monchaux. will be submitted towards the end of September, with planning applications attendance to sign copies. There will Montreal-born Mr de Monchaux's and listed building consent earmarked also be book signings at Shamrock works include Memorial to Wilfred for October and November. Books and Beyond in Armstrong on Owen in Shrewsbury, London's BBC If consent is granted work on the April 23 and 25 from 10:30 a.m. to Memorial to Winston Churchill, and whole scheme will start in April next 2:30 p.m. Memorial to WW2 Slave Workers in year and finish in August 2010. After the launch, books will be Jersey. City council bosses will no doubt be available at [email protected] or He said: “The source of much of my hoping for a smoother passage for the L.J. Gamble, Box 516, Armstrong, work is an interest in the way new feature than that which the brain B.C., V0E 1B0; The Armstrong sculpture and architecture share a sculpture designed by French artists Advertiser; Shamrock Books and common ancestry, so I welcome the Patrick and Anne Poirier for Hay Hill Beyond; and the Armstrong opportunity to make a piece for the endured. Spallumcheen Museum and Arts Norwich Memorial Gardens site which Society. is framed by some of the city's finest That sculpture, a tribute to city buildings.” philosopher and writer Sir Thomas Friday, April 04, 2008 Browne, sparked controversy and saw Vernon Morning Star Ray Holland, chairman of the Eastern three councillors withdraw from the Section: Veterans Region War Pensions Committee, Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Dreams King fought for are the double price of smashed hopes at of King's dream is yet to be achieved. still unfulfilled home and death and corruption in Vietnam. I speak as a citizen of the Friday, April 04, 2008 world, for the world as it stands aghast Staff, Concord Monitor Section: Miscellaneous at the path we have taken. I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war Saying goodbye Repatriation is ours. The initiative to stop it must be services filled with emotion ours." This was King, also in 1967, on military spending: "A nation that continues year after year to spend I HAVE A DREAM! more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is It has now been 40 years since the approaching spiritual death." assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tenn., and the passage And this was King on the gulf between of time has had a curious effect on his rich and poor: "The curse of poverty legacy - on our memory of the has no justification in our age. It is meaning of his message. socially as cruel and blind as the Fallen comrades—The service to practice of cannibalism at the dawn of repatriate Canadian soliders who have We now celebrate Martin Luther King civilization, when men ate each other died in Afghanistan is time of great Day and visit Martin Luther King because they had not yet learned to emotion and reflection for all, says Rev. museum exhibits. An MLK National take food from the soil or to consume Jim Short who is serving in Kandahar. Credit: Ministry of Defence Memorial is planned in Washington, the abundant animal life around them. D.C., and there are streets and The time has come for us to civilize Death is never far away in schools across America named for the ourselves by the total, direct and Afghanistan. Ramp ceremonies for slain civil rights leader. Children today immediate abolition of poverty." repatriating the casualties of war are a learn King's "I Have a Dream" speech wake up call to the reality of death in in school. King worried, in 1963, about the this ruggedly beautiful but damaging effect of conformity. He treacherously dangerous country. King, who fought both the laws and wrote: "Success, recognition, and spirit of racial segregation, was a conformity are the bywords of the Along with the tragic deaths of controversial figure in his day. But four modern world where everyone seems Canadian soldiers, there is always decades on, in our collective memory, to crave the anesthetizing security of someone else dying over here; he has become a saint. being identified with the majority. soldiers from Coalition countries, members of the Afghan National It is easy for us to remember King as He expressed frustration at those who the man simply urging us to judge Security Forces, or civilians who are would voiced support for racial justice the random targets of intimidation, each other not by the color of our skin but accepted slow - or no - progress. but by the content of our character. bombings or the land mines that are "The Negroes of America had taken debris of previous wars. After all, is there an American alive the President, the press and the pulpit today who would not embrace that at their word when they spoke in For those who live and work “beyond sentiment? broad terms of freedom and justice. the wire” of the relative safety of the But on the 40th anniversary of his But the absence of brutality and large bases, the reality of death death, let us also remember the parts unregenerate evil is not the presence through a “TIC” (troops in contact) or of King's message that don't sit quite of justice. To stay murder is not the some form of an Improvised Explosive so easily - the sentiments that show same thing as to ordain brotherhood." Device (IED) danger is high on their us how far America and the world still level of consciousness. For those who And he was willing to talk, sharply, live and work in KAF (Kandahar Air must journey if we are to truly honor about not just what unites us, but also King's legacy. Field) it is the ramp ceremony that what still divides us: "A good many tells the story of death. This, for instance, was King's 1967 observers have remarked that if assessment of the great war of his equality could come at once the Negro I have participated in two Canadian time: would not be ready for it. I submit that ramp ceremonies in the four weeks I the white American is even more have been here. It is a larger process "Somehow this madness must cease. unprepared." than the 30-second news clip seen on We must stop now. I speak as a child TV. Though ramp ceremonies are of God and a brother to the suffering Forty years since King's death, much neither a funeral nor memorial service, poor of Vietnam. I speak for those has changed for the better. But the it is our unique way of honoring a whose land is being laid waste, whose news of the day - war without end, fallen comrade and saying goodbye. homes are being destroyed, whose economic instability, a presidential culture is being subverted. I speak for election in which race is often an When I receive the call that a the poor in America who are paying undercurrent - reminds us how much Canadian soldier is dead my heart The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 35 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 sinks and my mind rips into action. I Task Force members to pay their Veteran Ombusdman Now silently ask God to be present as I personal respects. They stand at Has A Blog execute my various duties. A attention, touch gently the casket and communications lockdown is in effect. say a few quiet words. The team of Through the mysterious ways of the Padre’s and Mental Health workers ‘camp grape-vine’ and tell-tale sign of are present for support. the lockdown, many Canadians in At the airfield, the Hercules airplane is KAF know something bad has ready with its rear ramp down. Military happened. We both pray and hope personnel from other coalition nations such days will not come, and gather in formal configuration. As the The official website of Colonel (retired) simultaneously we await their sun comes up I walk onto the field, Patrick B. Stogran, the new Veterans inevitability with dread. and I hear the sound of birds chirping. Ombudsman, has recently been Trooper Michael Hayakaze died near These are the first birds I have heard updated. the end of his tour and Bdr Jeremie in Afghanistan and they take my heart It now includes a particularily Oullett shortly after he arrived. After to a line in the poem In Flanders’s interesting BLOG which the retrieving the next of kin form, we Fields – “…and in the sky, the birds Ombudsman intends to keep up to travel to the Role 3 Hospital – a still sweetly singing fly, scarce heard inform the veteran population on the multinational medical facility in which amid the guns below. We are the progress of the development of the the uniforms of various military dead.” office and, presumably, cases which personnel resemble a quilt of different The crunching march of soldiers falling are pending. camaflogued patterns. into ranks, five deep to the drill The site also includes a new section In the case of these two soldiers the commands of Sgt Majors. Officer’s fall listing the Ombudsmans Order In designations were “VSA” – vital signs in, call me back to the moment. The Council, complaints procedures and absent, and we proceed to the Canadian chaplains gather on the forms. morgue. There, with another Canadian right side of the plane, backed by chaplain and encircled by the staff, other coalition chaplains. Yet, even Friday, April 04, 2008 scriptures is read and prayers are death and ramp ceremonies cannot Webmaster. RCLBR50 said. I will always remember moments slow war, and the roar of planes and Section: Veterans like the one where I read Psalm 139 helicopters continue to land and take for one of these soldiers: off. Veteran’s legacy “Where can I go from your spirit? Out of the corner of my eye, I see the Where can I flee from your presence? solitarily LAV (light armored vehicle), a If I go up to the heavens, you are Canadian flag on the aerial, making there; if I make my bed in the depths, the slow drive onto the airfield. One you are there. If I rise on the wings of chaplain says a few words and the the dawn, if I settle on the far side of unit chaplain offers a prayer. At that the sea, even then your right hand will point the casket is slow marched up guide me your right hand will hold me the ramp, tears falling from the eyes of fast.” the some of the bearer party, as everyone salutes. The ERG (Emergency Response Group) meets to plan the Ramp Standing at attention, my thoughts are Ceremony. The ceremony takes place with the waiting family and their quickly and efficiently as we are in a unimaginable grief. The piper plays Compensation sought—Weeks before he theatre of operations, but also “Amazing Grace” accompanied by jet passed away on April 11, 2007, Harvey because we know that a grieving roars and chopper blades. Friesen vowed to continue lobbying the family in Canada waits anxiously for government to help veterans suffering ill Then, as the plane prepares to take their loved one to return home. health due to asbestos exposure aboard off and the parade has been Meanwhile, the deceased’s comrades Canadian naval vessels. dismissed, it’s back to work. It’s back Credit: Tyler Garnham practice their bearer party drill. to desk, computers, convoys and “Padre,” a soldier says later when I Almost a year after he passed away, various other military duties. The comment on the precision and Harvey Friesen’s battle to win conflict continues. professionalism of the bearer party, compensation for fellow Canadian “We can’t bring them back…we can n Ladner United Church Rev. Jim Forces personnel continues. only send them home with dignity.” Short is Team Leader for the Roto 5 Harvey’s son Chris says there has Chaplains for the Canadian Armed Before the ceremony, the casket rests been some movement on behalf of the Forces in Afghanistan. in a small building; backdropped by a federal government to assist those Canadian flag, and beside it a table Friday, April 04, 2008 veterans who are ailing after being holding their picture, beret and Afghan Rev. Jim Short exposed to asbestos while serving on Campaign Star. To this tent come Section: Afghanistan board Canadian naval vessels.

Page 36 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Since his father Harvey—a well known article in the Herald. Brown. and respected advocate with the Save A British man, William Brown, was Brown said it was great to speak with Delta Hospital Society and Delta trying to return Osudar's ID card to his Osudar's daughter on the phone and Healthcare Association—passed away family. watch a happy ending occur. on April 11, 2007, Chris Friesen has continued to encourage the Brown's father had been given the "And If I'm ever in the area," said government to provide greater card as a memento after spending Brown, "they've offered to take me for publicity about compensation for sick time in hospital with Osudar during the dinner." veterans, but is dismayed to discover Second World War. some vessels still contain asbestos. Friday, April 04, 2008 "It's really touched our family," said Cailynn Klingbeil, Calgary Herald “They (federal government) say the Stroeder of Brown's efforts. Section: Veterans asbestos is in areas deemed safe and She said her family was shocked to there is no threat of exposure,” he hear the story because Osudar, who said. Federal neglect of atomic died in 1995, never talked much about vets 'disgraceful' In the past year he has had contact his time in the war. from many veterans who want "We didn't know he had given his ID information about government card away," said Stroeder. assistance. The Royal Canadian Legion has also provided help to Stroeder said her mother -- Osudar's publicise what assistance is available. wife, Emilia -- has most of his war mementos and will hang on to the ID Harvey Friesen served as a medical card once it arrives in the mail. assistant aboard the HMCS New Glasgow during the 1960s and was "She's very happy that it's being exposed to asbestos dust, which returned," said Stroeder. contributed to his illness. Before he Bob Butt, director of communications passed away at 73 he received for the Royal Canadian Legion in compensation of $100,000 plus a Ottawa, said this isn't the first return of letter admitting responsibilty for his a war memento he's heard of. Tories 'stalling' on compensation for condition from the Ministry of Veterans radiation exposure, say veterans. Affairs and vowed to help increase "People are left keepsakes and then publicity about federal aid programs want to find their rightful owner," said The Conservative government is offered to sick vets. Butt. stalling in providing compensation to sick veterans who were exposed to Friday, April 04, 2008 He said while it can be hard to track radiation during Cold War atomic Philip Raphael - South Delta Leader down people because of the privacy tests, says one of the men who was Section: Veterans act in Canada, when such reunions do promised financial help more than a work out, they're wonderful. year ago. UPDATE: Herald article unites "It shows the camaraderie that Robert Henderson, who was part of a woman with father's long-lost developed so many years ago," said radiation monitoring team during five war ID Butt. nuclear blasts, said the veterans are Stroeder spoke with Brown on the dying off as they wait in vain for phone on Thursday for about 15 compensation promised to them by minutes. the Harper government. "It was so nice to hear his stories and "I think they're stalling because out of hear more about my father," said the 1,000 or so people involved there's Stroeder. only about 100 or so living," said the 76-year-old from High River, Alta. "We She said the returned ID card means thought this government was going to a lot to Osudar's five grandchildren, do something, but it's getting worse who never got to meet their grandpa. than better." "They're all really excited about this," Jim Huntley, another of the atomic said Stroeder. veterans, said lawyers for the Justice A Canadian Army ID card from the Back in England, Brown is happy to and Defence departments will likely Second World War is on its way to know his father's final wishes are spend more money fighting the old Calgary to be reunited with the family being fulfilled. soldiers in court than the government of its owner, 64 years later. would have to pay out in "It would be nice if my father was alive compensation. Terri Stroeder, daughter of soldier and could see this happen, but I know John Osudar, recognized her father's he would be very pleased," said The veterans have been battling for picture on the ID card in a recent compensation and recognition for the The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 37 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 last five decades through both there who lost their husbands and had veterans watch as those responsible Conservative and Liberal to fend for themselves and their for this clean it up," said Greensides, governments. Their case was children," said Mr. Henderson, whose national secretary treasurer for the bolstered in 2007 when a Defence protective gear during his radiation Canadian Association of Veterans in Department report determined that an monitoring job consisted of a gas United Nations Peacekeeping. estimated 900 Canadian military mask. "And while they're cleaning it, I'd like personnel were exposed to radiation "How disgraceful can a government the veterans to talk to them and give during atomic tests and during a be? I'm not talking about just the them an idea of what it means to be a reactor mishap at Chalk River during Conservatives. I'm talking about every veteran and realize how sacrilegious the 1950s. government and every member of something like this is." In early 2007, then-defence minister Parliament." The National Peacekeeping Gordon O'Connor and Chief of Mr. Henderson's unit was originally the Monument, which stands across from Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier met Lord Strathcona's Horse but he was the National Gallery and Major's Hill with some veterans and promised temporarily assigned to the 1 Park, was vandalized with anti-war their cases would be swiftly dealt with. Radiation Detection Unit. Besides graffiti sometime overnight Thursday In August of that year, shortly before taking part in actual atomic blasts, his or early yesterday morning. The he was removed from the defence group monitored radiation levels from markings consist of the anarchy portfolio, Mr. O'Connor said a previous explosions. Of the four symbol and statements such as compensation package was almost individuals from his regiment who took "Afghan civilians dead." complete but nothing ever came of part in the explosions, Mr. Henderson, that. The Department of National Defence who has had two bouts of cancer, is is responsible for cleaning the A few months later, Defence Minister the last survivor. monument. A spokeswoman for DND Peter MacKay assured Parliament he Mr. Huntley of Balzac, Alta., noted that said yesterday afternoon officials are was working on the issue and out of 40 members sent from his unit not likely to issue a statement something would be soon done for the to the atomic tests in Nevada, half are regarding the incident until Monday. veterans. dead. Many of those died from cancer, Ottawa Police officials said yesterday After waiting several more months, he added. they had not received a report about some veterans, including Mr. Huntley He said the government's response to the vandalism and are not involved in and Mr. Henderson, decided to sue the veterans' lawsuit is that the any investigation at this time. the government. That legal battle soldiers waited too long to begin legal could take up to two years. "Monuments don't have street proceedings against the government addresses, so we may not know Government officials say they are still so the case should not be heard in exactly where the alleged incident examining the issues brought forward court. happened," said Carol Ryan, a by the atomic vets. There have been spokeswoman for the Ottawa Police. suggestions that a proposal could go Saturday, April 05, 2008 "As of right now, we have no to Treasury Board for approval David Pugliese, The Ottawa Citizen Section: Veterans confirmation the incident actually sometime next month. occurred." As the waiting continues, the veterans Greensides said he was sad to learn say their numbers are dwindling. In Anti-war graffiti 'sacrilegious' of the damage to the monument, the the last year, two veterans have died. only one of its kind in the world, and One of those was Donald Bernicky, called it "disgusting." 74, of Smiths Falls who went through six atomic bomb detonations and a The monument was designed by battle with the federal government sculptor Jack Harman, urban designer over whether he should be given a Richard Henriquez and landscape disability pension for the ailments he architect Cornelia Oberlander and was suffered as a result. dedicated in October 1992. Mr. Bernicky had skin cancer and It depicts three peacekeepers other medical problems his family standing on walls above the debris of attribute to his exposure to radiation The national peacekeeping monument. war. In front of them, a grove of trees during the Cold War nuclear tests. He Credit: www.cfsuo.forces.gc.ca symbolizes peace. died without receiving any Damage to vets' monument sparks compensation. outrage. Saturday, April 05, 2008 TERRI SAUNDERS, SUN MEDIA Mr. Henderson, who monitored fallout Paul Greensides has an idea how to Section: Veterans from five atomic blasts, blames all punish the vandals who defaced a parliamentarians for neglecting the national peacekeeping monument with veterans. graffiti Thursday night. "There are a hell of a lot of widows out "I would like to see a group of Page 38 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending April 5, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Wounded Veterans, Wounded The building also contained Canada's • 2002 - 4 Families largest suspended wood ceiling. • 2003 - 2 • 2004 - 1 Some articles were reportedly • 2005 - 1 rescued, and military officials hope • 2006 - 36 plus one diplomat some of the building can be saved. • 2007 - 30 The armoury had been scheduled to • 2008 - 8 host events to mark Quebec City's Canadian Fatalities by rank. "As Canada engages in overseas 400th anniversary and had been military action and severely wounded undergoing renovations. No cause has Non-commissioned soldiers are sent home, more need to been determined yet. be done to help their struggling • Private/trooper/gunner/Sapper - 24 families" according to a report Saturday, April 05, 2008 • Corporal/bombardier - 31 released by the University of Alberta. CTV News Staff • Master corporal - 8 Section: Veterans • Sergeant - 9 This report is being made available • Warrant officer - 3 through the Dominion Command • Master warrant officer - 1 Website or can be reached directly via Assorted data on Canadian • Chief warrant officer - 1 the link below. casualties in Afghanistan Officers Saturday, April 05, 2008 RCL • Lieutenant - 1 Section: RCL • Captain - 3 • Major - 1 First and Second World War Canadian Fatalities by age range. Treasures Lost In Quebec • 20-29 - 47 Armoury Fire • 30-39 - 27 • 40-49 - 8 • 50+ - 1 (the diplomat)

Saturday, April 05, 2008 A Canadian soldier from the NATO-led Kirsten Smith, Canwest News Service Library coalition rests on the muzzle of his rifle. Section: Afghanistan Credit: REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly 82nd Canadian Soldier Killed Canadian casualties by province in Afghanistan • Alberta 10 Firefighters battle a blaze at one of • British Columbia 3 Quebec City's most historic buildings on • Manitoba 2 Friday April 4, 2008. Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Clement • New Brunswick 7 Allard • Newfoundland and Labrador 7 • Nova Scotia 8 Fire destroys major Quebec City • Nunavut 1 landmark. • N.W.T. 0 A Quebec City landmark has been • Ontario 24 heavily damaged by fire. • P.E.I. 0 • Quebec 14 The armoury, built in 1884, broke out • Saskatchewan 5 in flames at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday • Yukon 0 evening. • Other - 1 (the diplomat was born in Two hours later, much of the building the U.K.) had collapsed. At least eight fire trucks Canadian deaths by type of casualty and dozens of firefighters had been dispatched to fight the blaze. • Non-hostile (vehicle accidents, The armoury had provided a home to weapon discharges etc.) 11 Les Voltigeurs, a Canadian Forces • Friendly fire 6 Pte. Terry John Street, 24, reserve unit and Canada's oldest • Suicide bomber 12 (plus one Credit: DND French infantry unit. In addition, it has diplomat) OTTAWA– Private Terry John Street, housed a museum containing First • IED (improved explosive device) 38 from 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s and Second World War memorabilia, • Other hostile fire 15 Canadian Light Infantry was killed along with artifacts of the Riel today when his armoured vehicle Rebellion. Canadian Fatalities by year The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 39 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 13 Week Ending April 5, 2008 struck a suspected Improvised Freedom of choice denied maintenance and repairs for our Explosive Device (IED). The incident facility. Now we are told this was all for occurred in the Panjwayi district. The naught. soldier was immediately evacuated by Our club was established 72 years helicopter to the Canadian-led ago by men and women who went to multinational hospital at Kandahar war to liberate other parts of the world Airfield, where he was pronounced from dictatorial governments - who are dead. The incident occurred at about now themselves being dictated to, by 6:15 p.m. Kandahar time while the a government that thinks it's all right to soldier’s unit was conducting discriminate against a minority as long operations. as they think it's politically correct. This incident will not deter us from Our smoke room is state-of-the-art continuing our work with the and has been praised by the health Government and the people of inspector as one of the best ever built. Afghanistan. Incidents like this one Non-smoking members have told me prove that, along with our Afghan time and again that they have no National Security Force partners, problem with this room as their side of Canadians need to continue working the club is in no way affected by the to bring about peace and security in smokers. the region. But now, 70-, 80- and 90-year-old We have lost a fine Canadian today, veterans are being told their opinions and our hearts go out to the family and don't count. friends of this brave soldier. Re: Time for smokers to butt out, Burnaby NOW, April 2. I, for one, Democracy is a two-way street: Lose Statement by the Minister of National would rather see a head line reading: any part of it, and we all lose. Defence on the death of private Terry 'Time for government to butt out.' John Street As for levelling the playing field, as NR–08.021 - April 4, 2008 But that will never happen as long as some bars have said this regulation the press and media in general is will do, it's far from the truth as these OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter concentrated in a few people's hands - Gordon MacKay, Minister of National newer bars were built with patios especially when those people use where smoking will not be banned. Defence and Minister of the Atlantic their power to support the Canada Opportunities Agency, issued These bars will have a big advantage discrimination of a part of society they over those that don't. Those with the following statement today on the think is not worth standing up for. death of a Canadian soldier in buildings such as ours that were built Afghanistan: Two of the cornerstones of democracy many years ago when laws did not are freedom of choice and freedom of permit windows in bars, let alone "I would like to offer my sincerest association, both of which are being patios outside, are at a great condolences to the family and friends stomped on by this new provincial disadvantage. of Private Terry John Street who regulation. I was pleased to see that The cost to redo our building to put in succumbed to his injuries today in one elected official in your article, Afghanistan. My thoughts and prayers a patio would be prohibitive. Besides, Coun. Nick Volkow, had the guts to if we did have the money to build one, are with them during this most difficult voice an opinion against this time. sooner or later someone would come regulation. To allow private along and dictate that it be smoke-free Real, measurable progress has been establishments the right of choice to too. So, in closing I say, let smoking made in Afghanistan, but much determine their own smoking policy, decline as it has been for years and remains to be done. It is only through with signage that clearly indicates a eventually fade away through the hard work, dedication and sacrifice government-certified smoking room is education of our children, not by of remarkable Canadians like Private in the establishment, is no problem. punitive measures against aging users Terry John Street that Afghanistan will Making the smoke room self-serve to of a legally obtainable substance in once again flourish and stand on its protect staff, no problem. this province and country. own as reminder of the success we as Then the public could make up their a country and as members of a Dave Taylor, president, Royal own minds to patronize that Canadian Legion branch 148 coalition can have when we stand establishment or not. It's called steadfast and work towards a common 'freedom of choice.' Saturday, April 05, 2008 goal." Dave Taylor, president, Royal Canadian Legion In 2002, Royal Canadian Legion branch 148, Burnaby Now Saturday, April 05, 2008 branch 148 spent $50,000 to be in Section: Veterans DND compliance with Workers' Section: Afghanistan Compensation Board rules, money that came from our reserves that had been put away for emergency Page 40 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario)