The record, 9 novembre 2006, Supplément 1

Supplement November 2006 We Must mm page 2 • Remembrance Day • THE RECORD Thursday, November 9, 2006 How the poppy became a great symbol Lt.Colonel John McCrae of Guelph, Ont., simply made an observation that damp dark night.As soldiers fought and died, the Canadian doctor sharpened his lead and wrote on blood stained paper of the bright red flowers that were growing under the fallen bodies of hundreds of his comrades and friends.France’s fields that were desolate and barren had burst in colour during the 19th century Napoleonic wars.McCrae remarked that the flowers were blood red in colour, making the connection to the blood shed that specific night.During the tremendous bombardments of the First World War, the chalk soil became rich in lime from the rubble, allowing the poppy to thrive.McCrae was a tall, boyish 43-year-old member of the Canadian Medical Corps.He was an artillery veteran of the Boer War in South Africa and was described as a person with the eye of a gunner, the hand of a surgeon, and the soul of a poet when he went into the line at Ypres on April 22,1915.April 22 was the first time the enemy impression in my had used poison gas, but the first attack mind is one of a failed and so did the next wave and the next.In fact, for 17 days and nights the allies repulsed wave after wave of the attacking enemy.McCrae wrote: “One can see the dead lying there on the front field.And in places where the enemy threw in an attack, they lie very thick on the slopes of the German trenches." McCrae worked from a dressing station on the bank of the Yser Canal, dressing hundreds of wounded and never removed his clothes for the entire 17 days.At times the dead and wounded actually rolled down the bank from above his dugout.At other times, while awaiting the arrival of batches of wounded, he would watch the men at work in the burial plots which were quickly filling up.In time, McCrae and his unit were relieved and he wrote home “We are weary in body and wearier in mind.The general nightmare.” McCrae came away from Ypres with 13 lines scrawled on a scrap of paper.The lines were a poem which started: “In Flanders fields the poppies blow.” These were the lines which are enshrined in the innermost thoughts and hearts of all soldiers.McCrae was and is their voice.To further McCrae’s coincidence and observation, once the war had ended the lime was quickly absorbed, and the poppies, that flooded the fields like a red carpet, began to disappear again.Sadly, McCrae died of pneumonia at Wimereux near Boulogne, France on Jan.28,1918, When he was 44 years old.It was not only the poem.In Flanders Fields, that caused the poppy to become the worldwide symbol of fallen heroes.Of course, after it’s publishing in 1915 it became a symbol, but it wasn’t until Moina Michael’s initiative to wear a poppy on her lapel three years later that led to its famous statute.Michaels, while working in a New York City YMCA, wore the poppy in memory of millions and explained her goal and the history to Madame Guerin Who was visiting the United States in 1920.On her return to France, Guerin decided to use handmade poppies to raise money for children who were victims of war.In November 1921, the Great War Veterans Association officially adopted the initiative and the first poppies were distributed throughout Canada.Now millions of the blood red flowers bloom on the jackets, dresses, and hats in memory of their 117,000 countrymen who died in battle.¦MiiiftWïW ^ A .in memory of those so brave 9 College St., LENNOXVILLE 819-562-9444 In memory of those so brave Service 24 hours Les Pétroles Ron H.Mackey lue.Petroleum morm Home Heating Oil • Gasoline • Diesel i uormant 1034 Paul Rd., Ascot Corner, Qc, JOB 1A0 Tel.: 819-562-5848 Fax: 819-562-2086 Lest we forget Here is a list of Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Eastern Townships.Contact your local Legion branch for more information.Friday, Nov, 10 Cenotaph in South Durham, 1:45 p.m.Saturday, Nov.11 Dufferin Heights Cenotaph in Stanstead at 9 a.m.Beebe Plain Cenotaph at 11 a.m.Hackett Park Cenotaph in Stanstead at 2 p.m.Hatley Village at 11 a.m.Asbestos at 3:30 p.m.Drummondville at 2 p.m.Victoriaville at 3 p.m.-Lac Mégantic at 2 p.m.Sawyerville at 11 a.m.St-Isidore de Clifton at noon.Cookshire at 2:15 p.m.Island Brooks at 3:30 p.m.Victoria Street cenotaph in Knowlton at 10:45 a.m.Maple Street cenotaph in Sutton at 10:30 a.m.Parade at the Legion hall in Waterloo at 10:30 a.m.Cenotaph ceremony at 11 a.m.Fall-in at 10:30 a.m.and parade at 10:40 a.m.in Cowansville, followed by a light lunch at the Royal Canadian Legion Sunday, Nov.12 Sherbrooke Cenotaph, 3 p.m.East Angus at 11:30 a.m.Richmond at 2 p.m.Coaticook at 11 a.m.Ayer’s Cliff at 11 a.m.m Honorary members of Canadian Legion Branch #10 BOUCHERIE Clément Jacques Clément Jacques, representative TERRASSES —171“ SPECIALTY: FINE PRIME CUTS | 777 King St.E., Sherbrooke 50 Jacques-Cartier Blvd.N., Sherbrooke In Flanders Fields In flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks still bravely singing, fly, Scarce heard amid the guns below We are the dead.Short days ago We lived, fell down, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you from failing hands we throw The torch: be yours to hold it high If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow.In Flanders Fields • • « Reader Bill Gauvin adds: There was his duty to be done -And he did it No thought of glory to be won; There was his duty to be done -And he did it.To all the War Heroes in the World Poppy Day is almost here And we think of the ones we loved so dear.We pray for them who are fighting today And the ones long gone in our hearts they stay.In the morning I hate to turn my radio on, Two more Canadians were killed by a friendly bomb, I don’t think it’s friendly between you and me, Why they call it friendly I can’t see.Why do they keep dragging it along War is a word I wish was long gone, If we had more love in this world today We wouldn’t have wars any way.I hope God will watch over you today And bring you back home to stay, But I will never say good-bye And I will love you all until the day I die.Love you forever and always, MA Remembrance Day • THE RECORD Thursday, November 9, 2()()b page 3 Expressions of sympathy Two days after Christmas, 1944 By G.Campbell McDonald Special to The Record Two days after Christmas in 1944, my younger brother, Flying Officer Kenneth John McDonald, a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, was killed on active service overseas.As the news spread over the telephone and in the weekly Granby Leader-Mail, a flood of messages of condolence of every kind, of comfort and support, came to our parents.: Mr.& Mrs.Andrew Gerald McDonald 260 Dennison Avenue Granby, Quebec CANADA Buckingham Palace The Queen and I offer you our heartfelt sympathy in your great sorrow.We pray that your country’s gratitude for a life so nobly given in its service may bring you some measure of consolation.George R.I.John McDonald has been killed on active service.Advice from the Royal Canadian Air Force, Overseas, states that your son was the sole occupant of the aircraft he was Dying when he crashed at 10:15 p.m.on Dec.27, 1944, near Streets Farm, Bobbington Marsh, Somersetshire, England.He had been detailed to make a night weather test and took off at approximately 8:25 p.m., but shortly after encountered low cloud conditions.Normally under these conditions, he would have climbed to a safe height where he could abandon his aircraft before it ran out of fuel.When the wreckage of his aircraft was found on a wooded hillside the next morning, however, he had not baled out.It was determined at that time that his death was instantaneous.His funeral and burial took place at 11:00 a m., Jan.3, 1945, at the Royal Air Force Regional Cemetery, Brook-wood, Woking, Surrey, England.I realize that this news has been a great shock to you, and I offer you my deepest sympathy.May the same spirit which prompted your son to offer his life, give you courage.D.E.McKell, Air Commodore our who have given their lives for their country, for civilisation itself.1 had so hoped that 1 could write to you in my own hand, but, alas, the pressure of work here continues so great, that I know you will understand and forgive a dictated note.Do know with what understanding and sympathy we are both thinking of you, and yours.Alice and Vincent Massey Canadian Government Ministries This commemorates the gratitude of the Government and people of Canada for the life of a brave man freely given in the service of his Country.His name will ever be held in proud remembrance.Colin Gibson UTIN* 0*MC«» K J MC OOXAIO t » P»C t • OVA! SUM wmtts&k ¦> t, L**tU*t ¦ '' COURTESY Brookwood Cemetery, England.4 v Royal Canadian Air Force Chief of Personnel, Ottawa Dear Mr.McDonald, It is with deep regret that I must confirm our telegram informing you that your son, Flying Officer Kenneth High Commissioner for Canada Trafalgar Square London, S.W.1 Ever since the news came of the loss of your son, I have wanted to write and tell you how deeply my husband and I feel for you in your sorrow.You will think of him as we do here, as one of those on that Great Roll of Hon- Minister ot National Defence for Air On behalf of the Government of Canada, I have the honour to forward to you this Memorial Bar to be attached to the ribbons of medals awarded to the member of the Armed Forces of Canada whose name is inscribed thereon.Hughes Lapointe Minister of Veterans Affairs Chief of the Air Staff, Ottawa Royal Canadian Air Force May I extend my sincere sympathy in your great loss.1 know full well how Please see Sympathy on Pace 4 You Produce, Well Supply! Serving Since 1978 Wholesalers, Retailers & Artists Counter Top & Dimensional Stone Fabrication Sign & Glass Industry Masonry Trade Construction COURTESY Lieut.G.C.McDonald at his brother Kenneth’s grave in England with Alex Walker, president of the Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, May 1945.Nov.11 we remember feu&I9 CAMPBELL, BELLAM & ASSOCIES INC.INSURANCE BROKERS Personalized and professional service for all your insurance needs since 1901 467 Dufferin, Stan stead, QC JOB 3E0 819-876-7114* 1-800-567-6014 Dominion Granite Countertops & Monuments On November 11 we pause DEPUIS SINCE 819-876-2763 or (800) 567-2747 18 Campbell Street, Stanstead ~ www dominiongranite.com and www greatgranite.com f. page 4 • Remembrance Day • THE RECORD Thursday, November 9, 2006 Sympathy; Cont’d from Page 3 World War II 11 " |J I I'.I |*I 1 HIMM I « r i! .Remembrance November 11 D.H.M Technologies Inc.Worldwide Waterproofing for Buildings, Structures, Silos Sealers and Coatings for Concrete, Concrete Blocks, Brick, Stucco, etc.300 bacon f{oad,rflyer's Cliff, One.819-843-2222 WE SHALL NOT FORGET! STMDISH INC.35 Craig St.N., COOKSHIRE, QUE.819-875-3387 Poppies Are Everywhere COURTESY Jack Frost (at left), Dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion, and Montie Brewer, Air Canada's president and CEO, inspect the poppy decal that adorns some aircraft during this year's Remembrance period.• ¦ |he modern world is still living with the consequences I of World War 2, the most ti-JL.tanic conflict in history.Nearly 66 years ago on Sept.1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland without warning.By the evening of Sept.3, Britain and France were at war with Germany and within a week, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa had also joined the war.The world had been plunged into its second world war in 25 years.Six long and bloody years followed.From the Hedgerows of Normandy to the streets of Stalingrad, the icy mountains of Norway to the sweltering deserts of Libya, the insect infested jungles of Burma to the coral reefed islands of the pacific.On land, sea and in the air, Poles fought Germans, Italians fought Americans and Japanese fought Australians in a conflict which was finally settled with nuclear weapons.World War 2 involved every major world power in a war for global domination and at its end in 1945, more than 60 million people had lost their lives and most of Europe and large parts of Asia lay in ruins.wear and fruitless are any words of mine which would try to divert you from your overwhelming sense of loss.It is my hope that the cherished memory of your gallant son who made the supreme sacrifice to maintain the freedom of his country, will be a source of great pride to you and the members of your family, and sustain you in your sorrow.P.E.Thompson, s/o R.CA.F.Casualty Officer for Chief of Air Staff Requiem High Mass Notre Dame Church, Granby The Memorial service in Kenneth’s home-town church was largely attended on Jan.13,1945.The catafalque draped with a Union Jack depicted that another Granby youth had paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of his country.Owing to the snow storm a number of relatives and friends were unavoidably absent.The Granby Leader-Mail Service Record Sworn into R.CA.F.on Aug.13, 1942, after graduating from Granby High School.Received Pilot’s Wings and Pilot Officer’s commission on Oct.15, 1943.Proceeded overseas in Nov., 1943, and while still nineteen, was promoted to Flying Officer, Apr.15, 1944.He would have celebrated his twenty-first birthday on May 8 had he lived.Survivors Besides his parents to mourn his loss, F/O McDonald is survived by four brothers: Mr.Barry McDonald, of Montreal: Lieut.Campbell McDonald, who has been overseas for almost three years, and is now in action in Holland; Mr.Andrew McDonald, a student at Sacred Heart College, Victoriaville; and Mr.Keith McDonald, of Granby.Card of Thanks We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who expressed sympathy either by sending masses, spiritual offerings, letters of sympathy and telegrams, or who assisted in any way on the occasion of the death on active service overseas of F/O Kenneth John McDonald.Mr.and Mrs.A.G.McDonald and family Granby Leader-Mail, Jan.18, 1945 Comments to gcmcd@rogers.com LONDON RESIDENCE 301 London St.Sherbrooke, QC J1H 3M6 In 1917 men from all parts of Canada joined in an impossible task, to take France’s Vimy Ridge from the enemy.Nobody thought was possible, but they defeated the enemy and took the ridge.Men celebrated an incredible victory, and some were so proud to be Canadian that they carved maple leaves on the walls as they lay wounded in stretchers in an underground tunnel waiting to be transported to hospital.819-564-8415 We Shall Not Forget Proud to be Canadian Remembrance Day • THE RECORD Thursday, November 9, 2006 pack 5 ‘t* I -W âteüs# v 7 ® Take matters into your own hands i 877 369-7845 (514) 369 7845 www.osteoporose.qc.ca Ostéoporose Qutrfc Heating oil Diesel Fuels lubricants Mike Crook, president §maH n idf om Mr.Walter “Buster" McComb, delivery: 819-876-5835 Mrs.Lyse Belknap, consultant: 819-876-5450 Watts: 1-666-wwcroofc (992-7665) Offlcr.819-636-4942 Fax: (616) 636-5476 ‘If we’re not careful Remembrance Day will become extinct, ’ says advocate By Jen Young Record Correspondent Lennoxville’s George Beaulieu has spent the better part of his life dealing with veteran’s concerns and fighting for their best interests.And he says it’s a full time job to ensure no one ever takes their sacrifices for granted.“I feel that veterans are being neglected and that they are not always recognized for what they did for us,” said the Dominion Vice-President of the Army Navy of Canada.“Each and every unit throughout Canada is struggling.There are no government funds available for organizations that are there to help veterans and that is a problem.If we are not careful Remembrance Day will be extinct.” Beaulieu, who has been working with and for veterans since 1965, says the weak link lies with the adults.“Last week the local Cubs came to visit The Hut (Army Navy Airforce Unit #318 on St.Francis St.) and I was surprised how much these 10- to 12-year-olds knew,” says the past unit 318 president.“In schools, teachers do a good job of educating youth, but why is it that we seem to forget as we get older?If someone doesn’t carry on the torch, so to speak, and keep the traditions going, they will be lost forever.” He says that veterans are dwindling in numbers, but those who remain are still making sacrifices.“Since 2000 our unit in Lennoxville alone has lost 62 veterans.Some units don’t exist anymore because they have no local veterans left and this, sadly, is becoming a reality for many small units.People should realize that attending a Remembrance Day service is very difficult for many of the older veterans.Some of them suffer from old war in- juries, and some have pain due to old age, but they still come out and stand proud.This has to be hard for them.I believe that small towns should encourage the veterans they have left and march right along side them.” Beaulieu says that he, along with his Ottawa colleagues, are focusing on bringing new and old veterans together.“Each and every person who has an enlistment number is a veteran, whether it was 40 years ago or they are presently overseas as we speak," he said.“We have new veterans forming everyday and we need to make sure that when those soldiers come home they will be recognized and taken care of, as we are trying to do for the older veterans.Whether they drove the garbage truck on base or they are on the front line, they are our soldiers and we need to take care of them.” Though Remembrance Day season is upon us, Beaulieu says making sure we never take soldiers’ sacrifices for granted is a full-time job.“We should never only remember what our forefathers did for us on Remembrance Day, we should think about it everyday,” he says.“And making sure that people don’t is not something that can only be done once a year.That, we need to do 365 days a year.We need to raise awareness and work really hard to make sure that these issues are dealt with.” Last Saturday’s annual veteran’s supper held at The Hut gave Beaulieu new hope.“We saw over 90 people at the supper and that we haven’t seen in years," he says.“Hopefully this means that word is starting to spread as to how important it is to support and respect our veterans.There is still much work to do and we will continue to do it.” PERKY B EATON/S PET :IAI.George Beaulieu says adults are the weakest link.Un héritage à partager LEAVE A LEGACY" www.leKacy-quehre.org 1 8X8 304-8834 “In memory of those so bran " Pause and remember November 11th Dyson & Armstrong 555 Craig Street, RICHMOND Your GM regional dealer serving the area lor over 85 years 819-826-3721 819-826-3501 1-800-263-9766 November 11, we pause 1954 - 2004 On Hovember 11, let us pause for two minutes to honor the memory of those who gave their lives that we might live in freedom! In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenand Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row.That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dread.Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset flow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.A.M.A.F."The Hut" 300 St.Francis Street Lennoxville • 346-9122 Fighting for new and old veterans page 6 • Remembrance Day • THE RECORD Thursday, November 9, 2006 Remembrance Day service etiquette Poppies, clapping By Jen Young Record correspondent As the years pass, and the number of veterans marching down the road bearing their numerous medals of honor dwindles, the etiquette as to how to conduct yourself, as a spectator, at a Remembrance Day service also seems to be becoming a thing of the past.How does one demonstrate respect?First, the poppy.Never attend a service naked of the blood red flower that means so much to every single veteran.Always wear it on your lapel and wear it proudly.Stand straight.Make an effort to gaze at the veterans who, despite the bone chilling wind or rain, will be standing as straight and proud as they did in his time of war.A spectator should look at the cenotaph which every service is conducted around, but they should also give veterans the same respect.They may not have lost their lives fighting tyranny and evil — but they must live out the rest of their lives remembering their friends and comrades who died horrifying deaths, sometimes right in front of them.Clapping is a prerequisite.When the soldiers came home from the wars their march down each each town’s main street was celebrated and rejoiced.Of course, nowadays throwing confetti and letting dozens of balloons go would be over the top, but a spectator should begin clapping as soon as they see their heroes and not stop until they have passed.Clapping says thank you, we’re proud of you, and in this situation of extreme sacrifice it means We Know What You Did For Us.In some small towns the number of veterans who will be marching to the flagpole can be counted on one hand, in which case spectators should not feel any reservations about marching right along side of them.Walk behind JB?I s them, which will demonstrate a compassion, acknowledgement, and pride.It will also tell them this: “We have your back.” Sing loudly and proudly.When the bugler belts out ‘Oh Canada’ and ‘God Save The Queen’, sing along.In the past, most elementary school days began with the singing of these anthems so many will know the words.Don’t you think the soldiers in wartime would stand straight and strong and sing their national anthem as they prepared to head out onto the battlefield again?Canada, its people, and its liberties are exactly why so many of these men made the ultimate sacrifice.We are all soldiers for the greater .good, in one shape or yt another, and we as well should treat our coun-try in the same fashion.Two minutes of silence.Thinking about what bills need to be paid when the emcee announces the traditional two minutes of silence is a faux pas.When the moment comes, bow your head, and try to imagine the horrors, the fear, and the hopes that these young men were living back when they were torn from their parents and loved ones.Think about how their sacrifice has helped us.Think about someone you know: an uncle, a grandfather, or a family friend who gave so much.An extra kind deed.Make an effort to approach an attending hero, whether you know them or not, and say thank you.Maybe that thank you can make it easier for that man to close his eyes tonight and not have horrifying flashes of the times that are burnt into their minds.Remember they made these sacrifices for us, and our parents, and our children for years to come.A spectator should walk away from any Armistice service with an empowered feeling of wanting to carry on where these veterans left off.Wartime memories By Nina Rowell As members of various branches of the Royal Canadian Legion are organizing plans for their annual Remembrance Day parades and services, let us think back, or try to imagine, what took place on the home front during these war years.Every little town and community formed WarWorkers groups as well as organizations which already existed, i.e.the Women’s Institutes.Their work included quantities of knitting, sewing, cooking, canning, bundles for Britain and refugees, used clothing, paper and salvage drives, selling of War Bonds and War Saving Stamps, to mention a few.Very important were the many parcels, cigarettes and letters that were sent to the boys far away from home.Recently, I acquired some letters written to the Brookbury Women’s Institute by several of their local boys, that I would like to share with you.Many were overseas, jvhile others were doing their duty in Canada, sometimes farther from than the ones overseas.They all emphasized their deep appreciation of being remembered and their longing to get home.Austin Buttemer wrote, December 20, 1942, “Your welcome parcel has just come and I wish to express my greatest thanks to you and friends who sent it.The cake was exceptionally good.It cheered me quite considerably, as I was beginning to think my Christmas mail was caught in those 7,000 bags that were accidentally destroyed.Then just a few days before the day of cheer, I got two.I wish you all the happiest of New Year, especially those who are friends or parents of my friends at Hong Kong.Cheerio.Austin There were several from Raymond Everett, the first dated Dec.26, 1940, England, “Rec’d card day before Christmas and cigarettes the day after.Please extend sincere appreciation for those and other parcels I’ve received from W.I.Every bit of war work that anyone does is greatly appreciated by all the boys on active service.Yesterday, Xmas day, we had our dinner in an exclusive restaurant in Croydon.They gave to the Second Field Regiment, the use of the building, cooking utensils, and the staff volunteered to serve us.Quite a contrast from last year, when we had eggs and chips.I’d give a lot to spend Christmas at home.Ray." One of the letters received from Gor- don Everett, brother of Raymond, written Oct.2, 1940, included, “We really can’t put in writing the appreciation we feel for everything, and everyone is making it easier for us, but we get lonesome and blue at times and think of home and those we left.It was hard to believe that Dad was gone, and I will always remember him where I last saw him sitting in his chair by the stove.At least we have fond memories, and if we do get home again we will appreciate things that we didn’t appreciate when we were there.I remain, your soldiering friend, Gordon Everett.” Another from Wilfred Webb, dated March 29,1942, England, “Received your lovely parcel and was so pleased to get it.Everything is going fine over here, as good as can be expected.Give my regards to everybody around, tell Peg I would like to be home and have a dance with her.Yours truly Wilfred Webb.” Q.V.C.H., December 18, 1942.Thanks for the swell Christmas parcel.I’m seeing another Christmas in hospital, but under different circumstances from last year.I left the hospital in Malta to come home, December 24th.I had my final operation Tuesday and we will not know the result for a week yet as the pressure bandages on a skin graft has to remain 8 to 10 days.This one is the very end of the chin and have they got me tied up, I can’t chew, I will have to leave my parcels until it is taken down, but I can assure you that will be before Christmas Day.I expect to leave here the fifteenth of January.Merry Christmas and Happy new year to you both.Sincerely, Bill Martin”.A letter from William Martin’s brother, Emmerson Martin, dated December 29, 1941, R.C.A.F.Overseas, “I wish to thank the members of the W.I.and the Brookbury Outdoor Girls for their wonderful parcel.I appreciated it very much, it arrived in excellent condition and in plenty of time.I don’t know what more I can say but, Thanks again, Emmerson Martin”.Sadly to say, Emmerson Martin, never made it home.A letter from Clayton Grey, from Brandon, Man., dated January 6,1942, “To the Women’s Institute, I received your parcel today, and I wish to thank you ever so much for it.It was sure nice of you to remember me in this way.I am fine and sure hope this letter finds you all well.Thanking you again, As ever, Clayton.” ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Bury Branch 48 We Will Remember Them ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Branch 10 Col J S Bourque 971 Galt East, Sherbrooke 563-4944 Remembrance Day • THE RECORD Thursday, November 9, 2006 pack 7 •&v.vWAr.yyv-" ‘Peacekeeping has changed totally’ By Claudia Villemaire Richmond Andre Berger is retired now.He’s enjoying the quiet, country life he dreamed of as he travelled to hot spots around the world, wearing the blue beret of a United Nations peacekeeper, learning to turn his back at warring factions as he went about his duties as a mechanical technician in the peace keeping section of the Canadian Armed Forces.“It takes some getting used to,” he says, describing his tour of duty in Israel’s Golan Heights.“Those guys would fire their guns over our heads, just to remind everyone they had no mercy for their ‘enemy’ on either side.” Berger admits his over-six-foot frame sometimes made him feel 10 feet tall.“After a week or two, you learn to ignore the fact you are between two warring factions seperated by a fence, in plain view of both sides.Berger joined the Van Doos (the Royal 22nd Regiment), 6th Battalion, in 1960.In the air force, Berger learned to be a “vehicle technician” after successfully going through boot camp.A native of St-Hyacinthe, his decision to join the army was influenced by the family where he boarded.A long history of military service, often recalled and held in high esteem, influenced the young school drop-out who was searching for a purpose in his life.“So, from Trenton in 1961, 1 began peace keeping duties that would take me to Israel, France and Germany,” he said.“You know, we didn’t carry arms on our person but, in some cases, our arms weren’t too far away.But as a 'I was 17, with no real goals.The military seemed to be an option, so I decided to give it a try” Berger remembers peacekeeper, your job is to stay between two factions who want to get at each other’s throat and believe me, it’s no joke.” Berger, stationed in Germany at Baden-Baden and Lahr, remembers the constant stress of being on standby 24 hours a day.“We were assigned specific tasks and if a “scramble" order came through, we really did scramble in a very precise orderly fashion.We had to get those pilots to their planes, with all the material they needed, within 15 minutes without fail.You lived the tension every moment you were on duty." Keeping vehicles at the ready was another of Berger’s tasks, one that eventu- ally brought him to the head of the vehicles technicians' team and finally back to Canada as an instructor.“Peace keeping today is totally different.We weren't out there handing out candy to kids and strolling around in local markets as they do today.The psychology of peacekeeping has changed totally.We were there to maintain a neutral zone between alleged enemies, to provide protection and defence in Germany and France where, for a time, planes armed with nuclear missiles sat.ready and waiting for the signal that would send them into the skies." Berger recalls the rigid hierarchy and the need for calm — no matter what.“My job as a driver and then a vehicle technician was extremely important, as every aspect of maintenance was You followed orders to the letter and every component for keeping the peace had to be in perfect order at all times, even when warring factions were firing their weapons on both sides of a demarker line." Today Berger enjoys his dream of a country home in St.Felix de Kingsey, where real peace and quiet fills his days and nights.But the signs of a life spent in the strict confines of military discipline are still visible.That straight-backed, head-held-high profile tells all who know this affable legionnaire.he is proud of his contribution to peace in the world during the stress of what most consider the years of‘Cold War’.Berger never fired a shot in self defence, nor took another life His career in the Armed Forces revolved around the challenge of preventing precisely that type of action.He stands apart, along with hundreds of Canadian peace keepers who successfully fulfilled this duty for a quarter century.CLAUDIA VIII I MAIRI He learned to turn his back to the guns ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Danville Branch 41 Barry Evans, President ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Richmond Branch 15 André Berger, President page 8 • Remembrance Day • THE RECORD Thursday, November 9, 2006 We will always remember