St. Dominic's students value veterans' sacrifices by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 13 | Wednesday, November 13, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com At 11:11 a.m., on Nov. 11, St. Dominic Catholic School students were in silence to honour Canada's veterans and soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. St. Dominic's was one of several sites in Oakville holding Remembrance Day ceremonies to pay tribute to those who have fought and died for freedom. "It is important we continue to remember (their) sacrifices after today's (Nov. 11) ceremony is over. Our country and the Town of Oakville is strong, peaceful and vibrant thanks to the men and women who gave up so much in the name of freedom," said Grade 7 student Jeevan Vasdani, ceremonial emcee. The ceremony was attended by John Burke, a Canadian Forces veteran and Royal Canadian Legion, Gen. Chris Vokes Branch 486 member, as well as Legion member Art Blackburn. The students were praised for their ongoing efforts to honour veterans, particularly their support of the Bronte Veterans' Garden. Burke called the garden a "significant sign of appreciation and remembrance" to those who have died serving Canada. The veteran also commended the students for their contributions to the annual Veterans' Appreciation Luncheon. "The artistic thank-you cards that you do each year for the Veterans Luncheon is another indication that you care," said Burke. Burke then told students the story of Second World War pilot officer Andrew Mynarksi. He sacrificed his life to save fellow officer Pat Brophy after he was trapped in the rear turret of a Lancaster bomber. The veteran showed several photos and a video to go along with his narrative account. Students heard that in order to help his friend, Mynarski jumped out of his aircraft mid-air, al- From left, St. Dominic Catholic School Grade 7 students Nicole Gruber, Claudia Parsons and Ciara Heath did an interpretative dance to Brothers In Arms in tribute to Canada's veterans Monday at their school where they were visited by members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gen. Chris Vokes Branch 486, Bronte. At right, veteran and Legion member John Burke. | photos by Nathan Howes special to the Beaver lowing it to crash into the trees at a "very shallow angle," Burke said. It set off an explosion that separated the gun turret and Brophy from the aircraft wreckage. "Mynarski parachuted safely and was still alive when he was found by French farmers, but died shortly after from his burns," said Burke. "Brophy was only slightly injured." For his efforts, Mynarski was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Burke said the Lancaster bomber shown in the video is one of only two in the world "still able to fly." It was renamed the Mynarski Lancaster. Other recognitions bearing his name include a junior high school, Andrew Mynarski V .C., in Winnipeg, the Royal Canadian Legion Andrew Mynarski Branch 34 and Air Cadet Squadron 573 Andrew Mynarski. "It was a miracle that Brophy survived the crash of the Lancaster in France. It seems that God did not want (him) to die that day, but instead to live and tell of the heroics of Andrew Mynarski," said Burke. see Our on p.18 Shhhh... Oakville's Best Kept Secret. The Highest Quality,The Lowest Price. Guaranteed. 309 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville 905.339.7604 · www.omnijewelcrafters.com *Subject to prior sale and may be terminated at any time. Turtle Jack's newly renovated As the temperature dips and the sun sets earlier, wouldn't it be nice to rekindle some of that summertime cottage ambience? You can - and without the long drive - when you drop into the newly-renovated Turtle Jacks, located at 360 Dundas St. E. The restaurant has been renovated with a new upscale cottage look, and a menu that has evolved into a casual, fine dining experience. There are more than 60 menu items, plus seasonally-inspired dishes such as the hearty fall turkey burger complete with stuffing topping or the shepherd's pie, foods that will warm you up on crisp fall day. Turtle Jack's also offers a wide selection of appetizers and of course its signature chicken rolls, awardwinning wings and ribs, as well as sirloin and strip loin steaks, food for every palette. There is also a children's menu and a wide selection of gluten-free items. Check out Turtle Jack's where everything is new including the management. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. seven days a week so you can pop in for a quick lunch. Hours are Sunday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to midnight and Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Call 905-257-6290 for information or reservations. Newly Renovated Restaurant Come visit the newly revamped Turtle Jack's Muskoka Grill located in beautiful north Oakville at Trafalgar Road & Dundas Street (near Longos). COME IN FOR LUNCH! Tel: 905-257-6290 · turtlejacks.com 360 Dundas Street East, Oakville, ON L6H 7E3