Fade
11-27-2009, 12:11 PM
Canadian veterans set for return to Italy
By KATHLEEN HARRIS (kathleen.harris@sunmedia.ca), NATIONAL BUREAU CHIEF, SUN MEDIA
TORONTO - A small group of veterans is returning to Italy where they waged one of the longest, fiercest campaigns of the Second World War.
During a kick-off event today at Sunnybrook hospital, home to about 500 war veterans, Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson called the trip to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Italian Campaign a "journey of honour and remembrance."
"Together, our unique delegation will walk on some of the same streets where Canadians fell," he said.
"We will walk among the headstones belonging to the youth of another generation. And we will remember them by reading their names aloud; by running our fingers over letters carved in granite, by thinking of dreams unfulfilled, by remembering lives lost. And by remembering families torn apart by their sacrifice."
The group of veterans, youth ambassadors and politicians will visit war cemeteries and monuments and take part special ceremonies.
Thompson said while most Canadians know about D-Day and Normandy, many don't realize the scope of Canada's efforts in Sicily.
Students from Toronto's Leaside high school were at Sunnybrook to hear stories from some of the veterans and ask questions about the war.
Donald Stewart, who served as a gunner in the war, said word made its way home that he had been killed. His father was surprised when he showed up on leave.
"He said, 'You're supposed to be dead,'" the 85-year-old told the group. "Then he gave me a hug."Article continued at http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/11/27/11953311-sun.html
By KATHLEEN HARRIS (kathleen.harris@sunmedia.ca), NATIONAL BUREAU CHIEF, SUN MEDIA
TORONTO - A small group of veterans is returning to Italy where they waged one of the longest, fiercest campaigns of the Second World War.
During a kick-off event today at Sunnybrook hospital, home to about 500 war veterans, Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson called the trip to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Italian Campaign a "journey of honour and remembrance."
"Together, our unique delegation will walk on some of the same streets where Canadians fell," he said.
"We will walk among the headstones belonging to the youth of another generation. And we will remember them by reading their names aloud; by running our fingers over letters carved in granite, by thinking of dreams unfulfilled, by remembering lives lost. And by remembering families torn apart by their sacrifice."
The group of veterans, youth ambassadors and politicians will visit war cemeteries and monuments and take part special ceremonies.
Thompson said while most Canadians know about D-Day and Normandy, many don't realize the scope of Canada's efforts in Sicily.
Students from Toronto's Leaside high school were at Sunnybrook to hear stories from some of the veterans and ask questions about the war.
Donald Stewart, who served as a gunner in the war, said word made its way home that he had been killed. His father was surprised when he showed up on leave.
"He said, 'You're supposed to be dead,'" the 85-year-old told the group. "Then he gave me a hug."Article continued at http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/11/27/11953311-sun.html