Dear editor:
Fort Frances’ 100th birthday went over big, as described in the local newspaper, but one item caught my eye that I could not quite understand, and that was the picture of two “voyageurs” raising their glass in a toast to France.
If I read my history correctly, the voyageurs who travelled the route west and north, returning with riches in furs were Canadians; or maybe the toast was for another cause that the readers are not aware of.
But anyway, a disturbing incident was brought out on a radio program in regards to the destruction and defacing of property at the War Memorial Cemetery in France.
Besides the damage, written messages were inscribed on the cenotaph and other monumental structures as quoted: “The garbage buried here is polluting French soil,” “Kill all the Americans,” and “Hopefully the Iraqis win the war.”
Regardless of these messages towards the Americans, soldiers from Canada, Great Britain, and other countries laid down their lives to liberate France from Hitler’s tyranny and restore their freedom that was taken from them.
We, the Canadians, have the comfort and peace of mind knowing we are the bordering neighbour to a powerful country south of us and not countries from Europe and the Third World.
My hat is off to the Americans for fighting terrorism that is jeopardizing freedom around the world, and with help from a country that was able to stop Hitler’s army from invading their shores when they literally walked right over other countries in their path.
The Battle of Britain, without a doubt, was the turning point leading to winning World War II and freedom for all for the time being.
Lest we forget.
Signed,
Mike Baranowski
Nestor Falls, Ont.
P.S. The Canadian World War II veterans will be in France sometime in June, which will be interesting to know how this incident will be smoothed out on the political front.
