SC Rewind: Remembrance Day Remembered

This week's Rewind is devoted to remembering a very important date on the annual calendar. Each year on November 11th, we set aside time from our daily tasks to remember all of the special people who have in some way sacrificed their time and sometimes even their lives to protect our Country and preserve our freedom. This day is observed in their honour. 

Every year the ranks of our living veterans shrinks and grows ever so much smaller. This past year we lost one of our best remembered military heroes with the passing of Dr. Roly Armitage.  A few years ago he was featured in a Rewind about Remembrance Day.  This will mark the first time in the last 100 years that this fine man will not be among the living but he is certainly well remembered and will be revered forever for his many deeds. 

Dr. Roly Armitage is shown as a young soldier and then many years later.  

"Roly" passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at the age of 99 at the Perley Rideau Veterans Residence, Ottawa, Ont. He was born Feb. 8, 1925 at the family homestead in South March, Ont. He packed "a lot of livin'" in those nearly 100 years. 

The ranks of harness racing has included many of those who served in various branches of the armed forces.  Many had to set aside their involvement in the sport during WWII and a number of fairgrounds were closed to racing as they were temporarily utilized as military bases.  Some did not return but many did and continued their careers. 

Growing up in a small town I had the opportunity to know most of the residents of our 2,000 or less citizens and most from the surrounding area. Just a few years ago there were still five survivors who were veterans of WWII and I knew them all.  I believe they have now all passed. From a very young age I can remember them as they often donned their military uniforms and often sold poppies around November 11th each year.  While I always knew that they were special people,  I have even more respect for what they did for our Country with each passing year.  

I don't believe that my immediate family had too many war heroes but I do know of one person who served admirably.  My Uncle Reginald Smith served in WWI as a very young man as so many did.  Scarcely removed from a serene life in rural Ontario he soon found himself in the midst of one of the largest and bloodiest battles of that conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918.  I recall my father telling me that as a very young boy he once accompanied his brother to London, Ont. during his basic training.  While there they slept overnight in a tent.  

I heard that he was discharged near the end of the war to resume his studies at the University of Toronto Medical School. I presume the thinking was that Canada needed young doctors more than they needed more fallen soldiers.  He became a medical doctor and served an entire lifetime caring for families in the area now known as Galt, Ont.  He served many years as the medical health officer as it was known back then.  So dedicated was he that he actually passed away in his doctor's office, still tending to his duties.  

Goodwill Through The Generations 

Despite the multitude of hardships, death and suffering associated with war, there is perhaps a certain measure of good that comes from it all.  A few months ago our daughter and son-in-law and family travelled to Holland as a combined vacation and business trip.  While there they were warmly greeted in a very quiet way and welcomed by many of the Dutch citizens when they found out they were from Canada. To this day the bond between our two countries continues. 

Part of their European visit included a side trip to England and a visit to the Imperial War Museum.  While there they were very impressed by the inclusion of many photos, mementos and mentions of Canada's contributions to the war effort. 

Above is a photo recently taken at the Royal War Museum showing contributions to the WWI effort by Commonwealth countries.  (Photo courtesy of Carly Jacobs) 

In the fullness of time, it has become so obvious to me what a great Country we live in. Let us all pause for just a moment today and offer our thanks to these brave souls and also pray that we will never have to go to war again.

I have one last special tie to November 11 each year and to that I say Happy Birthday Linda to my loving wife, born on this 11/11 date ?? years ago!!

Remembrance Day Photos 

This photo of Canadian army forces was taken at Petawawa in 1941. These young men put aside their lives to serve their country. 

 A scene from Remembrance Day gathering in New Brunswick. Photo courtesy of New Brunswick Museum St. John

This iconic photo titled "Wait For Me Daddy" captures a very touching moment in time as a father marches off to war. This photo was taken in New Westminster B.C. by photographer Claude P. Dettloff.  The City of New Westminster commissioned a bronze statue honouring the photo to be placed at the bottom of 8th Street, in Hyack Square. The city unveiled the statue on Oct. 4, 2014.

The following full page message appeared in the July 27, 1942 issue of The Canadian Sportsman. It outlined in detail the important role that harness racing had in these troubled times during WWII. 

Quote For The Week: “Remembrance Day is when the country stops for two minutes of silence, to pay respects to those who gave their lives and our veterans who fought for our freedom.” — Douglas Phillips, Canadian writer

Who Is It? 

Can you identify this very well known Canadian horseman who served admirably during WWII? I wish I had a photo of him in his military uniform.   During the Second World War he served as a combat infantry-man, winning the Bronze Star twice, and earning three European Theatre battle stars.

Who Else Is It? 

Can you correctly identify the two gentlemen pictured above? Both were part of the Canadian Armed Services during WWII, many years prior to this photograph.