Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending July 27, 2008 IN THIS ISSUE Hiding our History: Is this · Hiding our History: Is this how we remember our Veterans? how we remember our · Another memorial stained Veterans? · Reflection on the Wall · New plaque to honour Korea vets · Plenty of fight in WWI vet · Georgian veteran visits war memorials in France · Legion monitors Veterans' Plaza project · Gerry Capling / Bill Weido/Henry Mckenzie · Doreen Jacobs- Eye Operation- Recovering at home · Vow kept 65 years later · GM asks veteran to prove he's alive · CPAC to mark Korean War anniversary with award-winning War Amps documentary · Canuck soldiers to be honored with stamp · Trillium funding boosts youth projects and Legion · Lean On Me I am almost quite certain that you have · Canada's Dirty Dark Vietnam War Secret neither heard of nor been apprised on · Military museum wows minister the efforts that have been made over · Michele Forbes-Now resting at home. the past couple of years regarding · Korean War vets look back, see history repeating itself in Afghanistan attempts to bring about a new volunteer · Korean War veterans deserve recognition for their sacrifices service medal: the Governor General's · Veterans observe 55th anniversary of Korean War armistice Volunteer Service Medal (GGVSM). It · The battle that changed it all is for this reason that it is now important for someone to reach out to all Canadians, with the hope to inspire interest in this story of interest. This story has nothing to do with recent headlines about the Order of Canada and Dr. Henry Morgentaler. But, it was inspired from other media stories. I had read in the news and saw on television that yet again Canadians were being honoured with medals from other countries and I wondered why is it that Canada is so reluctant to honour its own Troops? I had looked into what had happened to the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) that was issued during and after World War II, and that abruptly stopped on 1 March 1947. Since that time, under the command of many Commander's-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces, thousands of young men and women have volunteered to serve our nation, yet they have gone totally unrecognized. Presently, there are Petitions and The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 1 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending July 27, 2008 letters of support being circulated and Parades, other Canadians that have Association, was shocked yesterday to gaining support for the GGVSM, and their curiosity tweaked at the GGVSM hear the Monument to Canadians these are being sent in to our and any accompanying Bars could Fallen on the Mackenzie King Bridge government to both Members of learn more about our history as the near Confederation Park has been Parliament and the Prime Minister. wearer of the GGVSM explains what it marred by human feces. There is a good basis for what this means and what any attached Bars "This is very disturbing news," Black proposed new medal would mean to stand for. said, when told that the back of the our history, heritage and traditions and monument appears to have been used We as Canadians, are proud of our even our culture. as a toilet. "It's just pure disgust that Veterans and are ever mindful of the veterans will feel to hear this." For the first time ever, we as a nation supreme sacrifices so many of them could issue a medal that would be made. The re-establishment of The memorial, which depicts a soldier representative of and also honour the honouring and recognizing the act of holding a child and a second child position of our Governor General's as volunteering is a part of Canadian standing in front of him, is a monument Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian history and by failing to continue the to more than 30,000 Canadians who died in several conflicts, including the Forces. Similar to our ancestor’s tradition of the issuance of a Volunteer Korean War. CVSM, specific acts of involvement by Medal is like erasing an entire era of our servicemen and servicewomen have Canadians who during the Cold War, Officials with the National Capital occurred and Bars were placed on the the FLQ Crisis, the Red River Flood, Commission are responsible for CVSM to acknowledge this. We are Operation Hurricane, Operation Ou est maintenance of the monument but were missing out on recording our military le Bouef, and other events that have unaware of the incident when contacted history by our failure to recognize the been a part of our history since the 2nd yesterday. courage and conviction of our military of March 1947 and many Canadians "We advised our staff about the volunteers since March 1947. Unlike would not even know what any of these problem and it was a high priority for us their ancestors and our forefathers and events are about. Significant acts of to have it cleaned immediately," said foremothers who received a Medal participation and support by our Troops NCC spokeswoman Chantal Comeau. when they volunteered, our young that are slowly being forgotten and this "We believe these monuments deserve volunteers are not recognized at all for is not how we should be remembering the greatest of respect." that very same act, volunteering. This any Veteran. The monument was cleaned around aspect of our heritage had been a mid-afternoon yesterday. Canadian tradition and just simply Monday, July 21, 2008 stopped in March of 1947 and it begs Dave Palmer , The Canadian Black said several ceremonies occur throughout the year to mark events the question, "why?" Section: Veterans commemorated by the memorial. Why is it that Canadians have this Another memorial stained Black and other group members are overwhelming desire to cover-up or concerned that benches near the site forget about our accomplishments? We could be attracting people who are hindering; No we are hiding our otherwise have nowhere else to go after heritage by not having a Volunteer dark. Medal, one that would serve to re- invigorate our history as the GGVSM "Homeless people go there at night with their sleeping bags and they stay could as previously mentioned play a there until the morning," said Black. role as did the CVSM where Bars could "We think those benches should be be placed acknowledging the support of taken away." our Troops. Comeau said a study will be What Bars you might ask? Well what undertaken before the end of the about a Bar for the Cuban Missile The Monument to Canadians Fallen, summer on the future of the benches at Crisis of 1962? Or the Cold War from 2 located near Confederation Park, is that location. March 1947- 25 December 1991? Or defaced with feces. The NCC, "They were placed there with the the Ice Storm of 1998? When our responsible for maintenance of the intention of creating a positive Troops, our Volunteers wear these monument, had the stone memorial cleaned up by mid-afternoon yesterday. experience for visitors and anyone who Medals and Bars, they are able to say Credit: DARREN CALABRESE/SUN wanted to sit down while viewing the to others that at one time they served Media monument," Comeau said. "But we will honourably in the service of Canada be taking a look at the site to and that they also participated in Monument to fallen soldiers on determine whether there are measures actions where our government saw a Mackenzie King bridge defaced. we can take to discourage this kind of need to deploy our Troops. War veterans across the country will be behaviour in the future." We could have a Bar to recognize our saddened to hear another memorial in On Canada Day in 2006, a Montreal "First Nations-Aboriginal Troops" many the nation's capital has been man was photographed urinating on the desecrated, a war association official important aspects of our history and National War Memorial. The act set off said yesterday. culture that are simply being a furious firestorm around the country overlooked and forgotten. At Bill Black, president of the Ottawa and Stephen Fernandes, who was 23 Remembrance Day or Commemorative chapter of the Korean War Veterans at the time, admitted to the act before apologizing and completing 50 hours of Page 2 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 27, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 community service at a veterans' home. military class with nothing to do with Tuesday, July 22, 2008 the rest of us.” We cannot allow that Mr. Chetw ynd, Human Events.com "Again, people are showing they have point of view to prevail. Section: Veterans no respect for the men who fought and While it is true the end of conscription died for their freedom," said Black. has meant the raising of a professional New plaque to honour Korea army, the notion it has been separated vets Tuesday, July 22, 2008 TERRI SAUNDERS, SUN MEDIA from the rest of our national life simply Section: Veterans because the generality need not serve is dangerous to the fabric of our people. And it need not be true. It is in our Reflection on the Wall own hands. Besides the large and extensive network of civilian support Ottawa: A new plaque commemorating systems for the military, stretching soldiers killed during the Korean War from the USO all the way to veteran’s will go up in August close to City Hall, medical support charities, there is according to an association of veterans another obligation upon us all: to learn of the conflict. the history of our conflicts and those The plaque, near Elgin and Lisgar who fought in them and to understand streets, is to bear the names of 21 the meaning of their service. Canadians from the national capital That is why the educational center region who died while serving in Korea. currently being built by the Vietnam It will take the place of an old plaque, Veterans Memorial Fund near Maya at the same location, containing 15 Of the many things that make America Lin’s stunning black granite Memorial names of the war dead. unique amongst the nations of the on the National Mall is a matter of "With the expansion of Ottawa, it came world, the relationship of her military to concern for all Americans and to our attention that we should add the the general population is cardinal. We something we’re all obliged to support. additional names of the solders who have always been a society of citizen- Non-political in its content and fought and died in Korea," said Bill soldiers whose freedom was won supported by Americans from across Black, president of the Korea Veterans largely through the efforts of the militias the totality of the political spectrum, it Association- National Capital Unit of of whom even The Bill of Rights makes does not seek anything other than to Ottawa. specific mention. provide a human understanding of The 21 are among the 516 Canadian those who served in the Vietnam War There is another aspect of the soldiers who died in Korea, Mr. Black and, indeed, to show our appreciation American view of its armed forces very said, fighting communist North Korea in for all who have worn the uniform of our striking to someone who, like me, 1951. More than 200 Korean War armed forces. This task is a vital civic served in an army that drew its veterans live in the capital region, he duty, an important step in reconciling inspiration from the British. As a said. all our population with our military member of the Black Watch (Royal history. "We pay our respects to our heroes Highland Regiment) of Canada, I wore from Ottawa." my regimental connection proudly, Each soldier’s journey is unique. I never more so than on those occasions enlisted with nothing more than a grade Mr. Black said he hopes to have the when we marked our fallen. Invariably, nine education and no family to fall plaque ready for a ceremony on Aug. 3. our cenotaphs and memorials would back on. I found in my service a The old plaque, he said, was put up begin with the legend “to the glory of meaning larger than myself, a sense of more than 20 years ago. It has been God and those who fell in the service of pride and self-respect that led me, removed so the contractor replacing it King and country.” Over the years, I upon my discharge, to a city college for could establish the dimensions of the saw this was a fairly standard a BA and then a law degree at studs used to secure the plaque in formulation in every country I visited -- Canada’s premier university, McGill, place. Mr. Black said putting it back save the one that is now my home: and, finally, to graduate work at Oxford might have exposed it to theft "with America. Here, such memorials are University in England. what is going on in Ottawa with theft of generally dedicated “to those who fell in I was one of the truly fortunate. Many bronze, precious metals and ordinary defense of freedom.” others were far less so, some now in metals like steel." This is no small distinction; in many unmarked graves in distant places. The new plaque has been paid for by respects, it is central to the definition of But their service should be holy to us, Veterans Affairs Canada and the who we are as a people. and it behooves us all to do our share veterans' association. in remembering who they were and Imagine, then, how distressing it was ensuring that future generations honor © The Ottawa Citizen 2008 to hear Ken Burns, in a discussion of them. his documentary “The War,” separate Tuesday, July 22, 2008 the military of World War II from those That is why an educational center is all The Ottaw a Citizen who serve us today by speaking of the of our business: for truly, those who Section: Veterans earlier conflict’s citizen army as serve have everything to do with “the different from today, where we have “a rest of us.” The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 3 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending July 27, 2008 Plenty of fight in WWI vet character to talk with, sang some bars On the subject of having a state funeral over the phone yesterday in perfect upon his death, as some are calling for, tune: "The maple leaf, our emblem he was very clear. dear, the maple leaf forever. God save "I don't care about a state funeral," he our King and heaven bless, the maple said. "I just hope I led a good enough leaf forever." life so I can get into heaven. That's all I He's had that 1867 number, written by worry about. I don't want to go to hell." Alexander Muir, memorized for more He adds a chuckle to every statement. than 100 years and needless to say he Dot says it's amazing how well he is was so proud earlier this year when the doing. Canadian government restored his Canada's oldest living WWI veteran John Canadian citizenship. "He's having a little more trouble "Jack" Babcock sits with as his wife walking than he used to, but he's still Dorothy as she points to a soldier thought "It was nice," he said of becoming a able to," she said. to be Babcock at their home in Spokane, Canadian again to go along with his Wash. on Wednesday July 18, 2007. American citizenship he took when he But she said all of the attention he Canada's last known surviving First World went south in the 1920s. receives for being the last Great War War veteran is celebrating his 108th veteran "has made his life special," But no matter where he has been in his birthday. which was capped with becoming life, he said, he always was Canadian. Credit: AP Photo, LARRY MACDOUGAL officially Canadian again. "It was a Honesty the key to long life, says "I was born on a 350-acre farm near wonderful thing and he's very thankful Canada's last survivor of the Great Kingston and if I close my eyes, I can for that. It's like he's completed the War. envision the fields." circle." SYDENHAM -- So maybe this is the In and around that farm near Holleford, Jack says he does know the secret for secret to living to 108 and beyond. residents are awfully proud that the those wanting to live to 108. legend hails from these parts. "French fries," says Jack Babcock. "I think one of the things a person In Sydenham, where he enlisted as a should do is be honest," he said. "If He loves them. And that's what he has 15-year-old, at 10 a.m. folks from the you are honest, you don't have to worry requested be served at his big birthday area and from Royal Canadian Legion, about what you have done." party tomorrow. Branch 496, will also blow out 108 So as I signed off, I said: "Talk to you Nothing better than a little health food candles on a cake at the Hillside for your 109th a year from today, Jack." to help keep a guy young. Coffee Shop, which has a popular Jack's Joe coffee on their menu and a But who's going to argue with him on "For sure," he said. "I am a tough, old picture of him on their wall. that point. He was born July 23, 1900. soldier." Not many around who can say that! "This whole area is very proud that From WWI there certainly is no one Jack comes from here," said Hillside There will also be a birthday cake with alive who's tougher or older. That's the owner Gary Dickenson who with wife 108 candles for him to blow out! And truth! Happy Birthday, Jack! Gayle said, "We don't ever want to you know he will do it! forget him." Tuesday, July 22, 2008 The legend of John Foster Babcock JOE WARMINGTON , The Toronto Sun Babcock is a living, breathing piece of has been growing for 108 years with no Section: Veterans Canadian history. He says it seems signs of coming to an end anytime like only yesterday he left his family soon. farm and joined his brother, Manley, to Georgian veteran visits war "You know, I am going to kick the fight for his country. The problem was memorials in France bucket one of these days," Canada's that when he got to England, they Charles Jean said looking over the final remaining World War I veteran discovered his age and put him in what fields in France - where battles were joked about his incredible longevity was dubbed the "Boys' Brigade" and once fought by members of the Royal yesterday. became a vital part of the supply line Newfoundland Regiment - was a sad for the soldiers who went across to the A lot of people are not so sure about and emotional experience. continent. that statement. Mr. Jean was one of four veterans WHY ALL THE FUSS? He's certainly in no hurry. chosen to attend an annual pilgrimage Jack, who did not see combat, always to Beaumont Hamel, sponsored each A lot of things have changed since wonders why there's so much fuss over year by the provincial government. 1900, but one thing that hasn't is him since he figures men like his Babcock's sense of humour. There's a Mr. Jean, a veteran of the Korean War brother who saw combat deserved special party planned in Spokane, and member of the Royal Canadian more. Wash., where not only will they sing Navy, attended memorial services at Happy Birthday but also The Maple "I guess it's 'cause I am old," he often five Newfoundland Regiment memorial Leaf Forever. tells his wife, Dorothy, three decades sites, including the site of the Battle of his junior and whom he affectionately Beaumont Hamel. In fact, Jack, who's one special calls Dot. Page 4 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 27, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Other veterans attending the trip were a "That was sad," he said. trees will remain in place. WWII Royal Navy veteran, a WWII A personal highlight of the trip for Mr. Ford said the Legion has no problem Royal Air Force veteran and a Royal Jean was the chance to also visit the with any of those idea, as long as the Canadian Regiment Korean War Canadian war memorial at Vimy, where original intention of the site is not lost veteran. Canadian soldiers fought during WWI. in the process of transforming the area into a gathering place for other events Mr. Jean, who originally hails from New in addition to the Remembrance Day Brunswick, was hoping to find the grave service held every November. of his uncle, who died in the Battle at Ford said work on the cenotaph itself, Vimy Ridge at the age of 18. notably the steps where the flag "We always thought he had a grave at bearers stand during the service, need Vimy, but could find no trace," he said. to be part of the work, adding the Legion has been after city hall to make "He has an unknown grave, so the upgrades for about five years. therefore his name is etched on the wall at Vimy." "The cenotaph itself is a sacred sort of thing," Ford said. "It represents all He said it was a very emotional those whose fallen in the two world experience to see the number of Charles H. Jean, Hedley Downton, wars and the Korean War and who are soldiers in unknown graves. Charlie Starkes and Charlie Rees were now losing their lives over in the veterans from Newfoundland and "It made you stop and think. Those Afghanistan and we were just worried Labrador taking part in this year's young men were never able to finish that some of the people at city hall memorial services in France. Credit: Department of Municipal Affairs high school ... if you go to the branch were losing sight of that fact." here, you'll see a picture of a 14-year Half of the project's cost will be funding Mr. Jean said attending the memorial old from Port au Port who died at through the provincial government's services was an emotional experience. Beaumont Hamel. I wonder what they spirit squares program and half by the would say if they had a chance to talk "We had to lay the wreaths at city. memorial services at five different to high school kids today - if they saw memorial sites where Newfoundland- their behaviour," he said. The next step is to develop conceptual drawings which should be ready to be ers are buried," he said. "I could just hear it, that's why it's so presented to stakeholders -- which sad. They never had a chance to finish "In my mind, all of the cemeteries are include the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation high school." all very sad when you see. First of all, and downtown businesses -- in mid- when you see unknown soldiers with Tuesday, July 22, 2008 August. unknown graves and the ages of them SABRINA SKINNER , The Georgian Tuesday, July 22, 2008 15, 16, 17..." Section: Veterans PG Citizen The four veterans were given the honour Section: RCL of placing a wreath at each of the Legion monitors Veterans' memorial sites they visited. Mr. Jean Plaza project Gerry Capling / Bill Weido/ says he laid his at the Gueudecourt Memorial, which marks the furthest Henry Mckenzie advance of the Newfoundland Regiment on Oct. 12, 1916. "They all had a caribou, the same size - as a big caribou," said Mr. Jean of the five memorial sites they visited. Prince George: The Royal Canadian Legion is keeping a close eye on "All were very well kept." efforts to revamp Veterans' Plaza in Mr. Jean said the July 1st memorial front of city hall. service at Beaumont Hamel was well A consultant was in the city late last attended. Bill Weido is now home from K-W week to hear from stakeholders about hospital. "There were representatives from what they would like to see as part of a Gerry Capling is now home from France, guards of honour, pipers - it $1-million makeover of the site and Freeport Hospital. was quite big. The national anthem of Legion member Don Ford was among Henry McKenzie is now at Sunnyside France was played, O Canada, the those attended the meetings. Home. Ode to Newfoundland was sung and of Initial plans call for a "spirit gate" to course, God Save the Queen." Wednesday, July 23, 2008 highlight the cultural and historic Norma Ash He said the ceremony came to a close contributions of First Nations will be Section: Sick and Visiting with two minutes of silence and a added, as will such amenities as park regimental pipe band played the last benches, rest areas and landscaping lament. while keeping area's signature elm

The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 5 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending July 27, 2008 Doreen Jacobs- Eye I wanted to see where she was laid," courage." Pritchard said, while sitting in the Operation- Recovering at Pritchard can't recall the number of shade of trees at the city's downtown home times he went to battle, just that it was war memorial, one of many stops on "quite often." what he was calling his "memory tour" of Newfoundland. He suffered his first of two gunshot wounds while scouting a haystack on a Pritchard - still slim and mobile but with farm in Holland. The farm was a weak heart - was stationed in supposed to be cleared of enemy Newfoundland in 1941. He was an soldiers. infantry private in the Lincoln and Welland Regiment of Niagara Falls. "I took it a little careful going up. I didn't think there was anything wrong with the His first duties were to patrol haystack until I got within three feet of Newfoundland's rocky coastlines on Doreen Jacobs is at home recovering it and out come a Luger and he got me motorcycle to scout for German U- from an eye operation. through the shoulder. I didn't fall. I kept boats. One night, he met Alma Moores- on going. And I then got down on the Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Heale of St. John's while roller skating. Norma Ash ground." Section: Sick and Visiting He remembers long walks and The army sent him back into action socializing at the Knights of Columbus once he was patched up. Soon he Hall. They were married in St. John's in escaped death again - this time while Vow kept 65 years later 1942. The next year the army called clearing a dike in Holland of German him overseas. Pritchard asked for leave troops. because Alma was pregnant, but the army refused. "I went up toward the end of the dike and there was a fellow in a trench and The night before he left for the front up pops his head and his rifle gets me. lines in 1943 - with his wife two months I felt it as it hit me. Whack," Pritchard away from giving birth - Pritchard made said while pointing to his thigh. a promise. "I saw the rifle as sure as I'm sitting "'I'll be back. I will come back and see here. I stood and laughed like hell. I you.' That was my promise." guess I went a little berserk and I just However, Pritchard received tragic emptied my Sten (submachine) gun news two months after arriving in and I drilled him. I know I got him. I England. His first communication from know he won't be bothering anybody Newfoundland was that he had twins - else. Then I went down. How I got out a boy and a girl - but that Alma had of there, I don't know. I must have lost died in hospital the next day after giving a lot of blood." birth. Pritchard's thoughts often returned to "It is a sad story. I felt terrible. I thought Newfoundland and his twins. He knew A MAN OF HIS WORD: Cpl. Ted Pritchard I would be coming back to a family. I they were safe, and he wanted to see is photographed in uniform in this didn't know what to do. I wanted to go them. But the army sent him to the undated photo. home but couldn't. I had to continue front lines a third time. By now he was Credit: The Canadian Press with my war duties." a corporal in charge of a unit of men. But after all he'd been through he had ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Ted Pritchard made The army denied Pritchard's second lost his courage. a promise to his new bride on the eve request for leave. Alma Moores-Heale's of going to war in 1943. Now - 65 years aunt, Elsie Heale, agreed to take care "I was just deadly scared to go up and I later - he has kept it. of the twins - named Alma and Teddy - tried everything to stay away. I never Pritchard, an 88-year-old Second World while Pritchard marched toward the thought I was going to come out of it. I War veteran, visited the St. John's front lines in France. had to go up. That night, they said you're going to take a patrol out and - grave of his wife, Alma Moores-Heale, It took the young soldier some time to believe it or not - while we were who died in 1943 giving birth to his twin find his courage. During his first battle, listening to the radio, the war news children. Pritchard cowered in his foxhole, while came on and said the war was over. a younger soldier next to him jumped The war, and love for his second wife, Ceasefire. I couldn't believe it." meant Pritchard, who now lives in into the fight. The army excused Pritchard from guard Orono, Ont., never saw his first wife's "I said, 'I can't get up. I can't get up.' duty and further patrol and then grave until last week. And he says, 'Well, I'm going to get up' released him on compassionate and he started firing. I could see the "I just felt that I had to come back. grounds. He returned to Toronto, where young fellow doing it and I had to, too. I Years ago, I made a promise to come by this time his parents were raising don't mind saying I was scared to back and I never did get back to see his children. The twins were 18 months death, but from then on I got my her. I have never seen her cemetery lot. old when Pritchard first saw them. Page 6 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 27, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Pritchard took a course in carpentry brought back to me." later," said Reeves, whose union sent and went to work. He settled into a McWilliams a letter of congratulations, Pritchard purchased a new headstone normal life, remarried and had another a baseball cap and a jacket on the for Alma, which will be placed on her child, a son. anniversary. grave in a few weeks. "It was a wonderful marriage too, for 57 The Irish-born senior, who turns 90 on years. I cannot say that I've had a bad Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Jan. 5., jokes that he'll have his life at all. The twins - my babies - will Peter Walsh, The Canadian Press revenge by vowing to collect a GM be 65. My other boy will be 55. I've had Section: Veterans pension for many more years. a wonderful life," said Pritchard. A spokesman for GM Canada could not But he never forgot his promise to GM asks veteran to prove be reached for comment Wednesday. Alma. Over the years he has been to he's alive © Windsor Star 200 Newfoundland, but - out of love and respect for his second wife - never to Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Alma's grave. Ten months ago, Doug Schmidt , Canw est New s Service Pritchard became a widower again and Section: Veterans the promise called him. "I gotta go. I have to go and see her CPAC to mark Korean War grave," Pritchard said of his thoughts anniversary with award- soon after his second wife died. WINDSOR, Ont. - Senior Frank winning War Amps So, at 88 - travelling by himself with his McWilliams wants the world, and documentary weak heart - Pritchard arrived in St. especially General Motors of Canada John's. Ltd., his former employer, to know that he's still very much among the living. When the Royal Canadian Legion heard about the visit, it asked St. At age 89, McWilliams has lived a full John's member Lorne Gracie to show life, including four years of dodging U- Pritchard around. The two became fast boats in the Atlantic Ocean during the OTTAWA, July 24 /CNW Telbec/ - friends. Gracie took Pritchard to his Second World War, where his Canada's participation in the First and former army duty sites, including the minesweeper HMCS Kenora took part Second World Wars is well coastal trails of Cape Spear and Signal in the D-Day Normandy landings. His documented, yet many Canadians are Hill, which are now patrolled by tourists war experiences were followed by unaware of the and hikers. marriage, six kids and 30 years on the contribution Canada made during the GM assembly line in Windsor. Korean War. "He's been great," said Gracie. "He's got that old army swagger back in him. Earlier this month, after 31 years of With the 55th anniversary of the end of (Family members told me) he was a collecting a GM pension, the the Korean War being commemorated little bit depressed before he came and automotive giant sent McWilliams a this month, the Canadian Public Affairs now he seems like he's picked up. I letter challenging him to prove he was Channel (CPAC) will air The War Amps can see it. He's a different person every still alive and to do so promptly or have award-winning documentary, KOREA: day. He's loving it." his pension payments suspended. "I Canada's Forgotten War at 11 a.m. ET remain alive, kicking and still collecting And yes, they visited Alma's grave, (8 a.m. PT) on Sunday, July 27th and 1 my pension," McWilliams concluded in keeping the oath made 65 years ago. a.m. ET (10 p.m. PT) on Monday, July a letter sent back this week. 28th. "I made my promise come true. It's the Despite the Windsor resident's distress fulfillment of my life," said Pritchard, Produced by War Amps CEO Cliff at receiving what he describes as GM's who lowered his head and spoke no Chadderton, the one-hour documentary "discourteous and impertinent letter," more of that visit. takes McWilliams said he remains a proud viewers to the battle areas and After Pritchard finished speaking, 37- former GM employee and will still monuments in Korea that are part of year-old Kevin Hillier, who was standing purchase the company's products. our nation's history. It also features nearby at the war memorial, walked "I get a big discount," he adds veterans, many returning to Korea for over. Hillier had been eavesdropping. practically. the first time, telling what it was like "I heard the whole story and it almost fighting a war in a country that Bill Reeves, president of CAW Local made me cry," Hillier said to Pritchard. Canadians knew very little about. 1973, which represents local GM "My father served in Vietnam and Archival film and photographs bring workers and retirees, said he Korea. I want to thank you for what their understands the periodic audits you've done for us. I have a love for you memories of "the forgotten war" to life. because the company is not always war veterans." notified about the deaths of former When Canada's 2nd Battalion of the "Well, telling it made me cry," employees drawing pensions. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light answered Pritchard. "But I'm happy. Infantry sailed for Korea in November "I think that's great that someone is This has been the best trip of my life. I 1950, it was assumed that the war still collecting a pension 30 years can't believe what memories this has would end shortly. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 7 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending July 27, 2008 Canada sent 26,791 soldiers to battle Canada Post’s 12-member stamp "Three community groups will be able in Korea. More than 1,200 were advisory committee is currently mulling to enhance their programmes with seriously wounded and 516 never came over the design, said Lemire. their Ontario Trillium Foundation grants home. After the armistice was signed announced today," said Sylvia Calgarian Gladys Theriault, whose on July 27, 1953, the Canadians Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon on father served in the military for 26 returned home amid little fanfare. Tuesday. years, is among those who signed More information on this documentary, Murphy’s petition. "I am pleased that non-profit including a clip, can be seen at organizations in our community have “I feel over the years they haven’t www.waramps.ca/military/video/korea/ access gotten the recognition they deserve and kcfw.php. It has also been distributed to lottery and gaming revenues to I feel this would do it more than to regular and community channels enhance recreation, education and anything else that’s been done — a across Canada and is also available at social stamp is seen worldwide,” said a services for our residents." Theriault. cost-recovery price of $12 (DVD or A 'Partners for Youth' project supported VHS) by using E-ZEE ACCESS: call The stamp petition is Murphy’s third by the Rotary Club of Palgrave toll-free 1 800 250-3030, fax toll-free 1 initiative to rally Canadians to support will receive a $73,100 Trillium 800 219-8988 or e-mail troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Foundation grant over one year. The www.waramps.ca. Last April, he launched a campaign to money encourage Canadians to send Tim will be used to support outdoor Thursday, July 24, 2008 CNW Group Hortons coffee vouchers to troops recreation opportunities for youth; Section: Veterans stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. chillers and a refrigeration system will be installed at a multi-use Murphy’s Facebook group, Tim Hortons sports pad for skating. Canuck soldiers to be For Our Troops, now has more than honored with stamp 15,000 members that have sent almost Two other Orangeville-area $22,000 worth of coffee gift certificates organizations earned Trillium grants in to soldiers. Dufferin-Caledon. Murphy is also the driving force behind Choices Youth Shelter was awarded Operation Pen Pal, which has matched $93,000 over two years for staff more than 250 soldiers with Canadian resources and training to strengthen civilians. the organization's capacity to support youth at risk in the Orangeville Serious leg injuries prevented Murphy Canada Post is creating a stamp to area. honour Canadian troops, in part due to from joining the military at 17. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch a petition spearheaded by a Calgary “I figured if I can’t serve on the inside, 233, in Orangeville will get $40,000 over resident. I’ll serve on the outside,” said the 32- one year to help upgrade the hall and year-old. Dave Murphy garnered 7,000 online make it accessible. supporters for a campaign to have the Friday, July 25, 2008 Orangeville military recognized in the form of a "I am delighted the TARINA WHITE, Sun Media Legion received funding to assist with stamp. Section: Afghanistan the Canada Post has announced it will retrofit of the hall," said Jones. "Legion release a stamp to honour soldiers Trillium funding boosts youth members and the community have next October, in the lead up to projects and Legion already shown terrific support for the Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. fundraising project to improve the Legion's accessibility". “There’s going to be a lot of that stamp purchased when it comes out,” said For more than 24 years, the Ontario Murphy. Trillium Foundation has been providing grants to community organizations “To think when they get a letter from across the province. The foundation's home to see a stamp like that up in the funding supports non-profit corner, just to know that everyone in organizations focusing on arts and the country is thinking about them.” culture,sports and recreation, the Canada Post made the decision to environment, and human and social create a stamp to honour the sacrifice services. of war heroes after receiving numerous requests, including Murphy’s petition, Friday, July 25, 2008 said spokeswoman Nicole Lemire. Credit: The Ontario Trillium Foundation Caledon Enterprise Section: RCL “This is definitely a theme that is going Palgrave and Orangeville community projects scored provincial funding this to be very well received by all week. Canadians,” she said.

Page 8 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 27, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Lean On Me war-torn region -- with danger hanging for engagements Aug. 14-15. Group in the air. But something even more founder and facilitator May Adshead sinister lay hidden, which would literally hopes Franlkin's visit will drum up tear Franklin's world apart. community support for troops, their families and trigger an awareness for His convoy was attacked and the G charitable organization. Wagon he was driving took a direct hit. The carnage was devastating, leaving Franklin will speak Aug. 14 at the him without his left leg while the right Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25, with was so severely injured the decision The Red Friday Golf Fun Day Aug. 15 was made to surgically amputate what at Crimson Ridge Golf Course. was left of the limb. Just as yellow ribbons are recognized Passenger Glyn Berry, a Canadian the world over as symbols of troop diplomat, died and two fellow soldiers support, so are Red Fridays. were critically injured. Organizers hope such golf fun days will spring up across Canada. Based in Edmonton with 1 Field Ambulance, Franklin was is a medical Both functions will also raise money for technician and remains an active the local Military Family Support Master Corporal Paul Franklin and his member of the Canadian Armed Forces Group, which, in turn, will help military son Simon. Franklin lost both his legs in with Casualty Support at Land Forces families by providing spiritual and a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan Western Area. emotional encouragement, while co- that left a Canadian diplomat, and at least ordinating activities and sponsoring In an amazingly short period post two Afghans dead. Franklin never saw his guest speakers. attacker. trauma, the soldier was able to walk Credit: www.cbc.ca with prosthetics and crutches. It was "It gives the community an opportunity during this difficult transition period that to support these troops, and the Left a double, above-the-knee he discovered a new passion. He saw families who are left behind," Adshead amputee following a suicide bombing how other patients suffered, was able said. on his second tour of duty in to share in their frustration and pain Afghanistan, Master Cpl. Paul Franklin Franklin was an Emergency Medical and knew exactly what they needed. considers one of his prime duties now Technician with Infantry Division of the is to aid fellow disabled veterans get Franklin's prosthetics cost $60,000 per Provincial Reconstruction Team in back on their feet -- literally. leg. The big issue now is research into south Kandahar Province when he was high-tech devices so the price can be injured. According to Time Magazine he's one brought down, making such support of Canada's heroes, while Rubicon As his entire being lay in the balance more accessible. Publishers has placed him up there half a world away, his long walk home, with the best of the best in Canada's His concept for a charity organization, while one of the cruelest ironies of all, Top 10 Most Inspiring Canadians. designed to help all Canadian was laid squarely at the feet that were amputees both military and civilian, no longer there. When Gov. Gen. Michaele Jean began to take shape. It became a prepares the guest list for her Rideau But he has taken irony and used the reality when he co-founded the Hall home in Ottawa, the honour of twist to focus on a challenge most Northern Alberta Amputee Program in taking a seat at the table is -- for most - couldn't conceive let alone follow 2006. - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. through on. Master Cpl. Paul Franklin dined with "NAAP was started to help fill the gap Heyden native Col. Allan Darch, army Jean twice. in amputee care," Franklin said in a command surgeon in Ottawa, has recent e-mail interview from Edmonton. The Canadian soldier, and now also an nothing but admiration for Franklin, inspirational speaker, sustained He said the University of Alberta was citing his "incredible courage, strength catastrophic injuries in a suicide the perfect fit for the charity because, of character and positive attitude." bombing on his second tour of duty in "we could work under the umbrella of Capt. Roy Harten, Unit Public Affairs Afghanistan that left him a double, mutually agreeable mandate for Officer and past Commanding Officer of above-the-knee amputee. research education and support. the 2310 Army Cadet Corps, met Franklin's not one to keep this "They do the taxes, accounting and Franklin in May. experience bottled up inside him. administration, allowing donations to go He was guest speaker of the 49th Field directly to the clinics and other He's is set to visit Algoma -- for the Regiment and also did a presentation activities we had planned and the third time this year -- to discuss his life- for the support group. Franklin had Franklin Fund is the national arm of the altering experiences, also documented copies of his book for sale and Harten plan." in the 2007 book The Long Walk bought one. Home, Paul Franklin's Journey from Franklin tours the country telling a Written by Liane Faulder, a feature Afghanistan. soldier's story. writer with the Edmonton Journal, The Jan. 15, 2006 began like any other day The Sault Ste. Marie Military Family Long Walk Home is a story about for a Canadian soldier serving in the Support Group has invited him to return courage and determination. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 9 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending July 27, 2008 "Canada hasn't been at war for 50 unit from Petawawa. looks pretty good." years," said Harten in a recent "Military bases have support networks," interview at his home, "and major Saturday, July 26, 2008 she said. injuries have been rare." PATRICIA BAKER, SPECIAL TO THE STAR "North Bay Family Resources Centre Section: Veterans That's changing and more soldiers are was looking for someone to start one getting hurt or dying in battle. up here. I had absolutely no military Canada's Dirty Dark Vietnam "Paul tackled things head on," said training. But by May of that year, our War Secret Harten. "He needed them get through Military Family support Group was up post traumatic stress disorder, combat and running. stress and the difficult challenges of The group helps families prepare for working overseas. deployment, said Harten. "It Darch, an Aweres public school and establishes contacts and helps Bawating Collegiant and Vocational maintain order in their lives for six School graduate, was stationed in months." Kabul Afghanistan in 2003-2004 and Sault Ste. Marie has seen its share of was an acquaintance of Franklin. military personnel depart for violent He said that the G Wagon Franklin was theatres of war, so having a support driving the day the suicide bomber group started here was important. struck is "a military SUV." It is no When Harten's wife, Laura, went to longer used outside the wire and has Afghanistan as a civilian barber in been replaced in this capacity by the 2005, there wasn't a group into which Agent Orange Corpdusting. light-armoured vehicle (LAV), weighing to tap. Credit: Student Pugwash USA 15 to 18 tons while sporting eight wheels. "It was talked about, but we needed a It was shocking to many Canadian facilitator," Harten said. "And my hands Veterans to find out that the Canadian legs and he told them what he were full." Department of National Defense (DND) needed." under the orders of the Canadian He provided Adshead with the contacts Franklin, 40, was born in Halifax and Government began testing Agent in CFB North Bay and she took it from grew up in Calgary. The married father Orange, Agent Purple and later Agent there. of one concedes he will never be able White at CFB Gagetown starting in to return to combat but knows many Several soldiers and a civilian are 1956, long before it was ever used by wounded soldiers who want to return to returning from their tours and two more the US Military in Vietnam. full and active duty. soldiers will soon be deployed. Now to be fair, the Canadian Adshead subsequently co-ordinated a "I work here to help the soldiers that Government (Ottawa) claims that it group effort to adorn local streets with are wounded to come back in a wasn't actually testing these chemicals yellow ribbons. dignified and honourable manner," he and that they were in fact conducting a writes. "We do this by making sure Harten and his youngest daughter, defoliation program and even went so mistakes that are made, are made only Emma, stapled their ribbons to poles far as to claim that it was being done once, by ensuring each patient gets along Second Line West, while others for our own good; so a branch wouldn't the best care possible." did Queen Street and Great Northern fall on our heads while training. Road in Sault Ste. Marie. He said that his charity aims to Ottawa went on to claim that the improve reintegration of returning Franklin plans to share with his legion chemicals which they used weren't soldiers by helping "The G wagon has audience accounts of his two missions Agents Orange, Purple and White but limited use inside the wire," Darch in Afghanistan, the incident, recovery, let's face it the US hadn't coined the said. "And is used inside Kabul where rehab and reintegration. A spaghetti names of the Rainbow Chemicals yet there is lower risk for improvised dinner will be available for a nominal and technically there never has been explosive devices (IEDs)." fee. The Red Friday Golf Fun Day also any chemical product registered under open to the public. these names, and besides it was a Adshead realizes through her works as Military designated name because of a facilitator, that "99 per cent of injured Franklin said the publicity surrounding the paint strip around the barrels for soldiers want to get back to work. And his story is "a bit self manufactured," easy identification in a time of war, they need more advanced prosthesis as he promoted the idea "of making which just happened to stick. so they can continue doing their jobs in sure wounded soldiers are in the the forces." media. Now I have indicated that I believe Ottawa was testing these products on When she and her husband Ed's son, "If they want to, they can show the their own troops and that of the US and Brandon Corbett, was deployed to Canadian people their sacrifice and British military at Canadian Force Base Afghanistan in February 2007, there what it means to be a Canadian (CFB) Gagetown in New Brunswick, wasn't a support group in the Sault. soldier." Canada due to Ottawa's own words. Corbett was a reservist with the 49th As far as life on the links, "I wasn't a Government Officials have stated that Field Regiment and went over with a golfer when I had legs but the 19th hole they neither knew that the chemical Page 10 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 27, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 products contained (TCDD) Dioxin or Canadian Council for Ministers of the I was released from the Army after I (HCB) Hexachlorobenzene (both known Environment acceptable guidelines for became extremely sick due to toxic carcinogens and without much doubts dioxin was found only last year, forty chemical exposure. two of the most deadly man-made years after the last chemicals claimed I am a proud member of the Agent chemicals known to mankind), nor even to contain dioxin were in fact sprayed. Orange Association of Canada (AOAC) if they had that they didn't know that What Ottawa (Canadian Government) and at present I am one of their article these two chemicals were harmful. This has done for Gagetown victims is to writers. clearly indicates that if these offer a $20,000 one time Ex-grata chemicals were in fact registered (not I have in the past two or three years (meaning they accept no guilt or yet established) that little or no testing had as many as 250 small articles responsibility) payment for soldiers and was done on behalf of the Canadian published all with the Gagetown issue civilians who lived within a 5 klm radius people by Health Canada and that the and the tens of thousands of Victims it of the Base in the summers of 66 and testing was actually being done at CFB created. 67, while excluding any claims for Gagetown for both the Canadian and compensation to anyone who had the US Military, on our own Military Saturday, July 26, 2008 bad form to have died before November personnel and with no regards to the Kenneth Young , opednew s.com 6th 2006--and then only if they can collateral damage it might wreck on the Section: Veterans prove a limited number of medical surrounding civilian population. conditions for Dioxin contamination-- Ottawa kept this 29 year defoliation placing the blame squarely on the Military museum wows program, or at least what chemicals shoulders US Militaries' 2 and ½ minister they were using, secret for over 50 barrels of chemicals while totally years and to this writer it was a far ignoring the over 5,500 barrels and over better kept secret then the nuclear 2 million pounds of Canadian sprayed weapons testing being done world chemicals of identical composition. wide. This Government secrecy had the At this time there are as many as 4 effect of compounding the problem Class Action Law Suits relating to CFB which as many as 350,000 possible Gagetown and the chemicals used victims were facing as they began to there, Ottawa refuses to call for a full become sick with all sorts of exotic public and judicial inquiry, soldiers and rare medical conditions, which continue to train in a dioxin soaked most if not all Canadian doctors had training area and Veterans of the cold neither experience nor knowledge of. war Chemical weapons testing If you are in the Brantford area and want Soldiers ,if they became too sick, were to learn something about the military past continue to die. just discharged to the public sector and of Canada don't miss to visit the to civilian doctors ill-prepared to Cpl. Kenneth H. Young CD "Canadian Military Heritage Museum". recognize or treat chemical (Ret'd).Nanaimo, BC Canada Credit: Canadian Military Heritage contamination, and soldiers couldn't Comment Letter Museum even give the doctors the heads up on the possibility of toxic chemical Hi! My name is Ken and I was born in a Saturday, July 26, 2008 exposure being a factor. little town of Grand'Mere Quebec, VINCENT BALL, EXPOSITOR STAFF Canada in 1948. I grew up and lived in Section: Veterans The US military is not innocent in this Quebec until I was 17 years old when I fiasco either as they accepted a joined the Canadian Armed Forces- Canadian invitation to test their sprays Army to be exact. Michele Forbes-Now resting in 1966 and again in 1967 where they at home. chose to spray chemicals on their The Royal Canadian Regiment was my allies which they had already stopped home for almost 13 years, where I seen spraying on their enemies in Vietnam many countries, did some UN peace because of health concerns and keeping and almost 5 years in chemicals which were illegal to spray Germany, Europe in NATO. I met the in the US. love of my life wile in Germany and we are soon to celebrate our 39 Ottawa has so far done very little for anniversary on August first and we have the victims which they created at CFB two now grown up boys and a few Gagetown even though over 3.3 million wonderful grand children. liters and/or pounds of toxic chemicals Michele Forbes had an operation and is were sprayed there by Canada. This I was contaminated by Toxic now resting at home, get well soon. would most likely make Gagetown the Chemicals wile on duty at CFB second most sprayed area in the world Gagetown New Brunswick, Canada Sunday, July 27, 2008 and, because of it size or lack thereof, with chemicals now known to contain Norma Ash may actually contain more liters/ Dioxin (TCDD) and Hexachlorobenzene Section: Sick and Visiting pounds per acre then most places in (HCB) better known as Agent Orange Vietnam and where concentrations of and Agent White. as much as 14,300 % above (CCME) The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 11 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending July 27, 2008 Korean War vets look back, many of the same reasons that his time in Korea. Canadian soldiers today volunteer for see history repeating itself in Canadian troops stationed in Korea tours of duty in Afghanistan, say the Afghanistan also seemed to have more, if not better veterans. equipment, said Jardine. They wanted to help people, and hoped There are other significant historical for a better, brighter future for the differences between the countries as country's inhabitants. well. Under the Taliban, and during the civil The Korean War lasted about three war and Soviet occupation that years, following more than a decade of preceded their rule, Afghanistan's post-Second World War tensions and a economy was devastated. political tug-of-war between China and Millions of refugees fled to neighbouring Japan that began in the late 1800's. Pakistan and elsewhere, but tens of Afghanistan, on the other hand, has thousands have since returned to raise endured centuries of clashes between OTTAWA — Veterans of the Korean families and restart businesses, its two main tribal clans, not to mention War are hoping the better part of particularly in the capital, Kabul, where countless invasions from neighbouring history repeats itself for Canadian the population now lives in relative countries hoping to control key trading soldiers currently in Afghanistan. security. routes. As they mark the 55th anniversary of The hope is that Canadian and other A ceasefire was declared in the Korean the end of what was once Canada's NATO soldiers currently in Afghanistan War 55 years ago Sunday, although it "forgotten war," many of the men who can help that country rebuild just as wasn't officially recognized in Canada fought for freedom in South Korea are South Korea has flourished since the as anything more than a "conflict" until drawing parallels between the end of the war, say the Korean the start of the new century. Afghanistan of today and the Korea of veterans. yesteryear. From June 25, 1950, when South In a statement issued Sunday, Prime Korea faced the threat of a full-blown "In 1950, Korea was totally destroyed," Minister Stephen Harper drew his own invasion by North Korea, until July 27, recalls Mike Czuboka of Winnipeg, who parallels between the Korean War and 1953, when the Korean War Armistice operated an 81mm mortar launcher the conflict in Afghanistan. during his time in the south Asian was signed, more than 26,000 country. "During the Korean War, Canada Canadians were involved in the United reaffirmed its position as a nation Nations mission. "There was nothing there. It was just committed to peace and democracy," A further 7,000 Canadians served rubble." he said. between the time of the ceasefire and Today, Seoul and Pusan are thriving, "Today, the Canadian Forces serving in the end of 1955, keeping peace modern cities, says Czuboka, who Afghanistan and elsewhere are bravely between the two nations at the height returned to South Korea this month as and diligently confronting tyranny and of the Cold War. part of a commemorative visit arranged oppression, in order to bring security to In all, 516 Canadians died and more by Veterans Affairs Canada. nations desperate for new beginnings." than 1,200 were seriously wounded. South Korea's vibrant economy stands There are differences, however, and no Three Canadian destroyers were in stark contrast to that of North Korea, way of drawing exact parallels between dispatched to Korean waters early in where nearly two million people the two wars, says veteran Roy Jardine the conflict to serve under UN reportedly starved to death in the late of Calgary. 1990s due to severe food shortages. command, along with a Royal Korea offered hilly terrain with much Canadian Air Force squadron. International aid groups warn the tree cover, recalled Jardine, known to However, it wasn't until December 1950 present situation in the North may his comrades as Buck. dwarf those numbers as 6.5 million that troops from the 252nd Battalion of people face food shortages and Afghanistan, with its arid mountains the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light starvation. and hot desert, provides soldiers with Infantry arrived at Pusan. little cover and a much different A number of remembrance ceremonies "Had we not gone to Korea, the whole landscape to traverse. country would have been Communists, marking the Armistice are planned and presumably under the same "You have these sneak attacks on across Canada, including events in economic circumstances," said people who are doing nothing more Halifax and Yarmouth, N.S., Brampton, Czuboka. than just driving down the road," Ont., Paradise, N.L., Winnipeg, Jardine said of the roadside bomb Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and "The country has really pulled up its tactics being deployed by insurgents in Lethbridge, Alta. bootstraps," says retired Maj. Eric Afghanistan. Devlin, 89, who revisited South Korea Sunday, July 27, 2008 five years ago. "We were just keeping (the North The Canadian Press Koreans) from coming any further south Section: Veterans The men who served in Korea went for in those days," Jardine recalled from

Page 12 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 27, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Korean War veterans deserve That the Korea peacekeeper dead are circulated a petition in Parliament and recognition for their sacrifices not inscribed on the Wall is not an the Senate that was signed by all unusual situation for Korea veterans. including the prime minister, then They've had to fight for recognition for presented to the Governor General. years. The fact that the war in Korea Authorization for the medal followed. was once known as the Forgotten War Most of the Korea vets received theirs is not a myth. People were not in the mailbox, 38 years after their war interested. There were no televised had ended. ramp ceremonies (TV did not arrive in The Korea Veterans Association Calgary until several months after the appointed a memorials chairman in armistice in Korea), no Route of Valour, 1993 who supervised the installation of Military Family Fund, Red Shirt bronze plaques inscribed "Korea 1950- Fridays, Support Our Troops decals, 1953" that were affixed to memorials Military Family Resource Centre or and cenotaphs across Canada. Four anything else. Korea veterans returned years later, on July 27, the Korea Today marks the 55th anniversary of to Canada after long sea voyages, went Veterans Association National Wall of the armistice in Korea. home and were forgotten for decades. Remembrance was dedicated in Undoubtedly, memories of vicious In Korea, Canadians who died in battle Meadowvale Cemetery, Brampton, Ont. battles will march through the minds of or in training, or had succumbed to It contains the names of all 516 those who fought and survived the 1950- disease were not airlifted home; they Canadians who lost their lives during 1953 Korean War. were buried in the United Nations the Korean War and the peacekeeping Canadian veterans of that war will Memorial Cemetery in Pusan (Busan), era that followed. Korea. Other casualties who had died gather at cenotaphs and memorials In 2003, the Korean War Monument to of wounds after being transferred to the across the country to pay homage to the Canadian Fallen was dedicated in British Commonwealth Hospital in their fallen comrades. They will also Ottawa. Although most of the Kure, Japan, were buried in Yokohama. salute the veterans of Afghanistan and memorials and monuments are in Some were killed in the tumult of battle those who have died in that war while eastern Canada, a statue of a and were never found. They lay where serving in the Canadian army, which Canadian Korean War veteran stands they fell, shrouded perhaps by has evolved from peacekeeping mode in front of the Military Museums in collapsed trenches, bunkers or in the to a fighting force. Calgary. muck of paddy fields. Like those who Of the 26,791 Canadians who served in were lost at sea in Korean waters in It's fitting that the brave, young the Korean War, 516 lost their lives and service with the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadians who volunteer to serve in the more than 1,000 were wounded. About there were no known graves at which Afghanistan War be acknowledged, 10,000 are still alive. Included in the the living could mourn. revered and remembered. The names of casualty figures are 45 who died on their fallen comrades should be Initially, the war in Korea was called a peacekeeping duties in Korea. Those recorded wherever possible, even on a "police action," then for many years names are not included on the peacekeeping memorial. Peacekeeper Park Memorial Wall of referred to by media as the Korean Honour in Calgary's Garrison Green. Conflict (with a capital "C") as if the However, it's likely that the Canadian Yet the names of Forces personnel deaths of two million people (civilians warriors of Afghanistan will want their who died in Afghanistan (87 since and combatants) didn't qualify as a own memorials dedicated to their dead, 2002) are inscribed on the wall, even war. The turning point for its proper and their own bronze plaques similar to though the mission is combat, not name came 10 years ago when then those of Korea. U.S. president Bill Clinton signed an peacekeeping. Roland Soper served in the 1st & 3rd act of Congress that required Battalions of Princess Patricia's The defining role of the Canadian government statutory provisions Canadian Light Infantry in the Korean military during the Korea peacekeeping referring to the "Korean Conflict" be War. He is the author of the war novel, era matches the objectives of the struck and replaced by "Korean War." Canadian Association of Veterans in Sword of Wood. He lives in Calgary. In 1973, a group of veterans formed the United Nations Peacekeeping. It fits as © The Calgary Herald 2008 snugly as a blue beret. The association Korea Veterans Association of Canada. raised money for the establishment of Their main goal was to bring the role of Sunday, July 27, 2008 Roland Soper, Calgary Herald the memorial wall and for its Canadians in the Korean War out of Section: Veterans expansion. obscurity. That campaign is ongoing. Another item of concern to these An Order in Council signed in 1999 Veterans observe 55th created the Canadian Peacekeeping veterans was the fact they were all Service Medal. Canadians who had volunteers, yet the Canadian anniversary of Korean War served in Korea following the 1953 government had not authorized a armistice ceasefire were among the recipients, volunteer medal as had been the case OTTAWA -- Legions and veterans further solidifying their peacekeeper in the First and Second World Wars. across Canada are marking the 55th status. There were years of fruitless lobbying. Finally, two MPs, one a Korea veteran, anniversary of an armistice that brought an end to four bloody years of the The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 13 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending July 27, 2008 Korean War. Other ceremonies are planned in and Drummond Road. The oldest Yarmouth, N.S., Edmonton, Calgary, gravestone in the cemetery is dated 1797. Brampton, Ont., Regina and The first Drummond Hill Presbyterian Saskatoon. Church, a log structure located beside the cemetery, was destroyed during the Battle The war began on June 25, 1950, when of Lundy’s Lane (25 July 1814). North Korean forces invaded the Considered one of the bloodiest clashes southern half of the peninsula in an of the War of 1812, the Battle of Lundy’s attempt to reunite the two countries Lane took place on and around the under a Kim Il-Sung's communist Drummond Hill Cemetery and Church regime. After nearly forcing the South grounds. In addition to some of the oldest Korean army out of the country, allied gravestones in the area, the cemetery reinforcements from Canada, the U.K., also houses a War of 1812 battlefield U.S., France, and 17 other countries monument and a monument to Laura On July 27, 1953, major fighting Secord. The ghosts of five soldiers arrived in September 1950. The between North Korean and Chinese dressed in the Royal Scots uniform have newfound strength pushed the North communist forces and South Korean been seen limping across the cemetery and allied forces stopped, after more Korean army to the Chinese border. and disappearing in the distance. An than five million casualties. Chinese forces joined the war in apparition of three battle-weary British Twenty-six thousand Canadians served November 1950; for the next three soldiers have also been seen moving up in the conflict, 516 of whom died. It years, a stalemate settled in as death Drummond Hill towards the old Lundy remains the Canadian military's tolls mounted on both sides. House which was used as rest stop and hospital during the war. deadliest conflict since World War The armistice was meant to direct Two. discussions towards a formal peace Credit: Niagra Falls Public Library treaty, but after 55 years, no In a statement released Sunday, Prime Every year, Lundy’s Lane Historical agreement had been signed by both Minister Stephen Harper remembered Society president John Burtniak stands warring parties. Today, along the 38th all the Canadian soldiers that signed up among tombstones so faded they’re parallel, the Demilitarized Zone, a to serve in Korea and stand "their unreadable, and ponders what it all heavily fortified, nearly impenetrable ground against the enemy." means. border, splits the peninsula in two. "They fought in swamps and rice fields, Heroes are buried here. The tide of a In the north, the Democratic People's through torrential rain and snow, in the war was changed here. It’s among the Republic of Korea, led by Kim's son, air and at sea. Canadians proved their most important patches of land in Kim Jong-Il, remains an isolated and mettle again and again . . .," Harper Canadian history, yet people can walk impoverished authoritarian state. The said. "Canada will never forget those right by without noticing it. who wore the Canadian uniform with southern Republic of Korea, a pride, and the men and women who beneficiary of decades of American, And so every July, Burtniak gives continue to serve our country today." European, and Japanese investment, Drummond Hill Cemetery its due. On thrives as a vibrant, capitalist the same land about 1,600 American Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg democracy. Attempts at reuniting the and Canadian soldiers died, he pays Thomson visited a United Nations two countries have so far been met with tribute the last, great battle of the War cemetery in South Korea two weeks little success. of 1812. ago with a delegation of veterans of the war. © Canwest News Service 2008 “This has been done faithfully for 120 years, and today we continue that Sunday, July 27, 2008 "We honoured their service and vowed tradition,” he said. that neither time nor distance shall Mike Barber , Canw est New s Service Section: Veterans lessen our remembrance," Thomson The scene is the same every year - a said of the memorial. crowd gathers in front of the Soldier’s The battle that changed it all Monument while veterans and Canadian involvement in the Korean politicians lay wreaths to mark the War has often been overlooked, Remembering how the War of 1812 decisive fight which erupted here on resulting in the war being referred to as turned on Lundy's Lane. July 25, 1814. the Forgotten War. The conflict was the first armed engagement of the Cold That day, about 2,800 Canadian and War, but its significance in the West is British soldiers faced the American often lost between the horrors of the Army in sweltering heat for a six-hour Second World War and the Vietnam stand-off which went into the night. War that would follow in the 1960s. Canadian troops expected to keep Today, remembrance ceremonies were fighting the next day, but the to be held in cities across Canada. In exhausted American side withdrew to Winnipeg, a candlelight vigil will honour Fort Erie and eventually home. The war the 36 Manitobans killed in the war. ended soon after. The Drummond Hill Cemetery is situated Canadian Forces personnel will observe on the south side of Lundy’s Lane atop Sunday, July 27, 2008 the end of the war aboard HMCS Drummond Hill between Portage Road John Law , The Niagara Falls Review Toronto, currently near Iqaluit, Nunavut. Section: Veterans Page 14 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 27, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30

The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 15