Written by Connor May Tuesday, Nov 05 2024, 5:30 AM
Photo of the three reenactors and the artifacts they brought to showcase. On Saturday the Airdrie Public Library held a World War Living History Exhibition that showcased reenactors from the Alberta World War Living History Association. On Saturday the Airdrie Public Library held a World War I Living History Exhibition that showcased reenactors from the Alberta World War Living History Association.
The reenactors demonstrated the daily routines, equipment, and tactics used by soldiers during World War I.
Jamieson Gardiner, the Digital Literacy and Team Programmer for the Airdrie Public Library explained the three reenactors represented the Black Watch Highlanders regiment that was recruited from the Alberta area.
“They’ve brought some artifacts, some cool stories and some awesome insight into what those soldiers experienced, but also help us remember the soldiers that fought for Canada as we get closer to November 11 (Remembrance Day).”
He went on to talk about why the group held the demonstration at the library and why it is important to understand what soldiers experienced.
“The longer we go between conflicts and violence, the more you forget how horrible they were. So seeing things like this can both educate people who have a just generalized interest, as well as help people to remember that this was not something glorious, this was not something fun or adventurous, but this was a horrible thing that happened to a lot of people, and a lot of people had to suffer and go through it.”
Photo of different items soldiers carried.Gardiner hopes Airdronians got a better understanding and plenty of information from the event as it was another way for the library to share information and showcase the other ways they educate, outside of just what can be found in books.
Marcus Nielsen, the Public Relations Officer with the Alberta World War Living History Association also hopes they were able to share some of their knowledge with Airdronians.
“World War I for us now was over 100 years ago. It’s something we can see in books and movies, but to be able to try to visually as best as we can show that, and to educate people on what happened during that terrible conflict is important.”
Photo of different items soldiers carried.He also hoped to give Airdronians a new understanding of why remembering those who fought for Canada was important.
“It is important that we don’t forget and we honour what the soldiers over 100 years ago went through, and what they did for us.”
On Saturday, the First Special Service Force Living History Association will be at the library from 12- 5 p.m. portraying soldiers from the Canadian Expeditionary Force showcasing the diversity of uniforms and equipment used in World War II.
Gardiner hopes they have another great turnout on Saturday as they did last weekend.
At the end of October, the memorial to honour Canadian soldiers and civilians who died in Canada’s military efforts in Afghanistan took place along with the annual Memorial Cross commemoration ceremony.
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