War & Remembrance

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER 

REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY 

On Friday, November 9, I attended a fabulous Remembrance Day ceremony at St. Francis Xavier High School.  Following the playing of O Canada by the school's band and prayer by Sister Shelley Lawrence, drama students presented several original skits.  These skits focused not only on the bravery of soldiers during combat but as well on the hardships and heartbreaks endured by the loved ones they left behind.

The St. Francis Xavier Glee Club then sang two songs, accompanied on piano by music teacher Mr. Chris McGuire - Where He Leads Me and Sarah McLachlan's Push.  Just before Last Post, a moment of silence, and Reveille, Major Megan Whalan read a thought-provoking reflection.

Proud to have my picture taken with Major Megan Whelan, CAF

I was not only moved by the impressive ceremony but very impressed by the respectful, reverent behaviour of the students - a testament to the focus in the school on positive behaviour and the direction provided to students during the assembly by the master of ceremonies, Mr. Michael Whelan.

                 

Equally impressive are the Remembrance Day murals (above) by Mr. Roy Ketcheson's grade 10 art students, which are on display in the school's atrium..

Lest We Forget

Sadly, many Canadians have family members or ancestors impacted by war. My own family tree is no exception.  My paternal grandfather, Private Arthur Edward Atkinson, served with the 38th Battalion during World War I and was wounded both at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele.  Likewise, one of my great-grandfathers, Private Joe Dunlop, fought with the 58th Battalion and died from gunshot wounds received at Vimy Ridge.

Private Joe Dunlop,

my great-grandfather

Private Aurthur Edward Atkinson,
my grandfather

As a special Remembrance Day tribute to all veterans of war (and their families), I have included a 3-page letter Private Arthur Atkinson penned from the trenches to his father prior to the Battle of Passchendaele.

  

Then there is the tragic story of Alexander Atkinson, my great great-grandfather.  As a gunner with the Royal Artillery, he fought in the Crimean War.  He survived and came to Canada in 1861, during the American Civil War.  His service record indicates that he battled alcoholism throughout his military career, no doubt due to the horrors he experienced in the Crimea, including being present during the Seige of Sevastopol and the infamous Charge of The Light Brigade.  His death at a young age suggests he too was a casualty of war.

Gunner Alexander Atkinson, Royal Artillery,
my great great-grandfather

Below is a remarkable find from the photo collection in the McCord Museum in Montreal.  It's a picture of the F Battery of the 4th Brigade of the Royal Artllery at Fort Hochelaga (Montreal) taken in 1866.  Second from the right in the back row is my great great-grandfather Alexander Atkinson!