Student urges others to take part in Tribute

Student urges others to take part in Tribute

Dear editor, Last year, around the beginning of May, I was fortunate enough to accompany the Georgetown's Children's Chorus on their trip to the Netherlands to take part in the remembrance of the fallen Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Dutch. It was an unbelievably heartwarming and rewarding experience that I will never forget. There were many laughs that were shared among people that I'd gotten to know on a higher level. But more affectingly, tears were shed amoung veterans that will forever receive my utmost gratitude and respect. We were all there together to thank them for what they did more than 56 years ago. Words could never describe the story behind that flicker of never-fading anguish and pride within their eyes. That flicker exists as well within the flames of each candle placed upon the 1,355 graves in the Holten Canadian War Cemetery every year on May 4, reminding us of those fallen heroes who gave their lives to free eastern and northern parts of the Netherlands from five years of oppression. On May 4, the students of Halton Hills can take part in the remembrance and gratification of those fallen soldiers by placing a lit candle on the Georgetown cenotaph. I believe that this will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about our community's local history and heritage as well as to recognize and show our respect for the many men and women who unselfishly gave and risked their lives for a blessing that we often take for granted: peace. I look forward to participating in the Candlelight Tribute with my fellow students of St. Francis of Assisi school and hope to see many community members, veterans and other Halton Hills students there with us to take part in this very special event. Colleen Connolly, St. Francis of Assisi School Georgetown