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Spotlight "Connected to your Community" Mike Castilloux and his son Devin are heading to Vimy Ridge for the 100th memorial anniversary. Above, Mike and Devin search Devin's signature-adorned Canadian hag for the signature of First World War veteran Clare Laking, who was the last remaining Canadian veteran who saw front-line action in that war . At right, some of the First World War artifacts Mike has collected including a helmet worn by French troops, a medal and maps. | Graham Paine/Metroland Father and son commemorate 100th anniversary ofVimy Ridge continued from p.1 the French countryside, visiting historic sites. Devin will spend an additional two weeks in Europe visiting Brussels, Amster dam and London. "I always wanted to go to Europe," said Devin. "Being at the 100 th anniversary only happens every 100 years." "I like history and so does he," added Mike. The Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place on April 9, 1917, is considered a turn ing point in Canadian history, where the four Canadian divisions fought together as a unihed hghting force for the hrst time. While 3 ,5 9 8 Canadian soldiers were killed during the battle, the victory over German forces is regarded as the start of Canada' s evolution from dominion to independent nation. Mike' s grandfather enlisted in the army in 1915, at the age of 3 2 , leaving behind a wife and two children. Mike has a keepsake book -- left by his grandfather -- a handbook for soldiers on how to speak French. W hile his grandfather was in France, Mike says his grandfather' s black hair turned white overnight, as a result of gas attacks. In addition to the book from his grandfa ther, Mike has a number of collectable items that were given out in 1 9 3 7 for those who attended the opening of the Vimy Ridge Me morial. Mike also has a few items from the First W orld War, including a helmet worn by a I always wanted to go to Europe. Being at teh 100th anniversary only happens every 100 years. Devin Castilloux Oakville soldier at Vimy Ridge. Many of the collect ables were bought online. Devin took an interest in history at an early age, explains his father. But as a child, Devin didn't enjoy writing. W hen Devin was in Grade 5, his father came up with a unique way to get his son interested in writing -- composing letters to war veterans. "The best way to learn is to interact," says Devin, who started working with veterans when he was in Grade 8. Only a handful of First World W ar veter ans were alive when Devin started to reach out to them. He managed to meet -- Dwight Wilson, Lloyd Clement, Clarence Laking and Charlie Fox. Devin, who later joined the Royal Cana dian Air Cadets, received the Minister of Vet erans Affairs Commendation, for honouring Canada' s veterans. W hile in Ottawa, Devin m et former prime minister Stephen Harper. After high school, Devin went on to learn to be an airplane m echanic and will take his hnal exams to be licensed on June 1, after he returns home from Europe. Beaver. Volum e 55 | Num ber 26 LLE ' metroland media OPC Ontario Press Council Defending principles !o inspire public Irust Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 8 0 Gould St., Suite 2 0 6, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone (4 1 6 ) 3 4 0 -1 9 8 1 . Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline. Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. NEIL OLIVER Vice -President and Group Publisher KELLY MONTAGUE Regional General Manager DANIEL BAIRD Director of Advertising ANGELA BLACKBURN Managing Editor Editorial Department Advertising Department (905) 845-3824 Classified Advertising (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington (905) 845-3824 (905) 845-3824