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Student speaks to honour veterans' sacrifices by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 13 | Thursday, April 4, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com If it were up to Faith Gruber, Remembrance Day would be a national holiday. So, the Grade 7 St. Dominic Catholic School student wrote a speech on what more could be done to honour Canada's veterans. After winning her school's annual speech contest, Gruber competed in the Halton Catholic District School Board regional elementary public speaking competition. She didn't win, but made her parents and teacher John MacPhail very proud. "I was very excited people who heard my speech know more about Remembrance Day," said Gruber. "Maybe I made somebody change their mind about whether they would like Remembrance Day to be a national holiday." Gruber's speech was inspired by Second World War veteran, the late Hartley Tosh, whom she met through St. Dominic's involvement at the Veterans' Appreciation Luncheon in November 2012. "I think my students' devotion and passion for veterans is heartwarming and inspiring for all," MacPhail told the Oakville Beaver. While Tosh couldn't attend the November luncheon due to a medical emergency, Gruber and her classmates made cards and banners to decorate his hospital room. "(She) has become so passionate in her appreciation of our veterans and their families," said MacPhail. "(Faith) went a step further and visited Faith Gruber the veteran on a subsequent occasion, bringing chocolates and blankets to him." On that visit, Tosh shared memories of the war with her, Gruber said, noting he was part of three battles -- two in Germany and one in Holland. "I was lucky enough to meet Hartley Tosh and he changed my life. I wanted to do more so I went to visit him," said Gruber. But Gruber's visit with the veteran would be her only one as Tosh died shortly before last Christmas. She said Mr. Tosh remains an inspiration to her. "Many veterans like Mr. Tosh faced a lot of hardships just to make sure we had freedom. I'm sure they would want for us to remember all they did for us," said Gruber. The St. Dominic Catholic School student said the cards and posters they made for Mr. Tosh and the other veterans was a good opportunity to show Hartley Tosh them how thankful they are for their service and dedication. "He told me he wasn't sure if people would remember the veterans. I thought (since) Remembrance Day is the one day we can honour the veterans, people can be reminded of the veterans and all they've done for us," said Gruber. "Remembrance Day must be a national holiday for all Canadians. Veterans like Mr. Tosh were young, scared and lost friends and family. They didn't even know if they would return home," said Gruber. "If we don't remember, all the sacrifices made by the Canadian Forces will be meaningless." Don't HATE your kitchen! We have a remodeling option for every budget: ReDoor A unique Do-it-Yourself solution $1500** from $ HEAVY BERBER CARPET 0 .99 $ sq ft & up BRING IN THIS AD AND... 45oz 100% NYLON CARPET PLUS We will pay the equivalent of the HST for you when you purchase our regular priced, in-stock Flooring only. Valid at the Mississauga West (3050 Vega Blvd) End Of The Roll location only. PAY NO TAX! 0 .99 sq ft & up up to 50 IN-STOCK AREA RUGS % OFF New doors and end panels, paint the cabinet boxes. Thousands of custom made door choices. ReStyle Update your existing cabinets $4900** from * Get a new custom cabinet look and updated function. Better than "Refacing", costs less than replacing. Start Fresh with new custom cabinets We will create a custom design that meets your personal style, function and budget goals. CALL TODAY VISIT OUR SHOWROOM ONLINE $7900** from Hurry in! Offers valid April 4th ­ 7th LO TH C IS ON ATI LY ON ! 905. 637. 3331 (west of Walker's Line) Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-3 3480 Fairview St., Burlington, ON Free Design Consultation & Estimate Mississauga West | 3050 Vega Blvd (Dundas & Hwy 403) Now offering FREE Shop @ Home call 905.820.7655 *See store for details. In order to receive these offers, you must present this ad at the time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offer; expires April 7th, 2013. Valid at the Mississauga West (3050 Vega Blvd) End Of The Roll location only. KitchenTuneUp.com Try out our Free Design Tool HARDWOOD LAMINATE CORK VINYL AREA RUGS CARPET Every Kitchen Tune-Up franchise is locally owned and operated. **Starting price examples are based on a common 10' x 10', L-shaped kitchen cabinet layout.