www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday November 9, 2007 - 27 All Canadians owe veterans a great vote of thanks By David Geroge Ceko, Sandra Marques and Jay Kim GR. 10, T. A. BLAKELOCK t 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, there will be Remembrance Day ceremonies held across Canada, from Victoria to St. John's. Canadians will be spending a collective moment to remember the thousands of young Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Over the past few weeks, we have had the opportunity to meet, discuss and videotape interviews with three very brave Canadians. These gentlemen, all in their 80s, were in their early 20s when they were confronted with situations of violence, horror and fear that we could not imagine. Our three veterans represented the three branches of Canada's armed forces: Air Force, Army and Navy. The unique thing about our interviews was that we did each of them at special locations, each of A which reflected the memories of our veterans. Signalman Billy Connolly, RCN, was interviewed on board HMCS Haida, now moored in Hamilton Harbour. Connolly was a Signalman on HMCS Athabaskan on active service off the French Brittany coast in April 1944 when his ship was torpedoed. He was one of only 85 crew members to escape death. Ironically, he was missed by HMCS Haida, which was in the same action and looking for survivors. He was eventually picked up by a German minesweeper and spent the last year of the war as a prisoner of war (POW). Lance Corporal Jack McFarland, RHLI, was interviewed at the Dieppe Memorial on the Hamilton Beach Strip. McFarland was a young infantryman who stormed ashore at Dieppe in August of 1942. The force of 6,000 allied troops, mostly Canadian, lost the element of surprise and suffered many casualties. We were amazed that even though they had all experienced such horrendous situations, they all had a great sense of humour. They were awe-inspiring and it was a real privilege, especially because in about two weeks, we will be learning about these battles in our history class. The veterans were each asked why it was important for us to `Remember.' Stewart felt that we should remember those who didn't come back. Connolly said that he hoped that kids would not have to experience the things McFarland was badly wounded in the action and was taken prisoner, along with over 2,300 other Canadians. McFarland spent the next three years as a POW. Our final interview was held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton. We met with Squadron Leader George Stewart, the only Canadian in RAF 23 Squadron. He flew the famous Mosquito in action over Europe, 1943-45. he experienced. McFarland said that it was important so that we don't repeat our mistakes. Our message, after meeting these amazing individuals, is to make sure we appreciate what they did. They were an inspiration. They risked their lives to make the world safe for their country. They did what they did so we could enjoy freedom to do the things we love. We owe Billy Connolly, Jack McFarland and George Stewart a great vote of thanks. ACCUMULATOR JACKPOT MUST GO SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10TH, 7PM SESSION $ The Regional Municipality of Halton www.halton.ca 150 300 3 ONE LINE GAMES $ TWO LINE GAMES $ 5,400 Meadowvale Sponsors Assoc. Lic. #36-004 & M507567 (If not previously won check out www.meadowvale bingo.com or call (905) 821-7883 for details) Always the Best Bang for your Bingo Buck! Next Super Saturday is November 17 at 7pm. $ 300 one line, $600 two lines. 3 x $2000 Jackpots! All In Your 7 Page Book $ 1000 Jackpots Check out: www.meadowvalebingo.com or call the Hotline: 905 821-7883 for further details REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL P-341-07 PROVISION OF CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GREENCART PROGRAM Issue Date: Thursday, October 18, 2007 Closing Date: Thursday, November 15, 2007 Closing Time: 2:00 p.m. Oakville Time Bid documents can be viewed or obtained on and after the issue date from the Purchasing Division Halton Region, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON, L6M 3L1, telephone 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), ext. 7011. The cost for bid documents is $26.50 (includes GST), payable to Halton Region, which is non-refundable. Bid documents can be shipped to bidders for an additional non-refundable handling fee of $10.60 (includes GST). Halton Region relies on this advertisement to provide public notice of this business opportunity and is not obligated to notify any potential bidders in any other manner. For further information go to: www.halton.ca/shop 2295 Battleford Road, Mississauga Halton Region Remembers our Veterans From peaceful communities like Halton, young men and women answered the call to serve at sea, on land and in the air. They were injured, died or returned to their homes to resume life as civilians. As our Canadian soldiers continue to face adversity abroad, it becomes more important that we remember the I encourage all those in Halton Region to keep alive the achievements and in times of war and peace. Engage your community in remembrance of the Gary Carr Regional Chair Storewide Savings 30% Of f Off of * Get Ready for the Holidays with Including Fabulous Christmas Decor Items *Not including upholstered furniture. All sales final. IDH Interior Design House "where good taste doesn't have to be expensive" Halton Regional Meeting Schedule November 13 9:30 a.m. Health & Social Services Committee November 14 9:30 a.m. Planning & Public Works Committee November 14 1:30 p.m. Administration & Finance Committee November 21 9:30 a.m. Regional Council 4047 Fairview Street, Burlington www.interiordesignhouse.com 091107 905.634.3439 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L1 Tel: 905-825-6000 · Toll Free: 1-866-4HALTON · TTY: 905-827-9833 · www.halton.ca M-W 10am-5:30pm web info@interiordesignhouse.com Sat 10am-5:30pm Sun 12pm-5pm T-F 10am-9pm email