Barrie students pen letters to Second World War soldiers

Editor’s note: The following letters, which are unedited, were submitted to BarrieToday on behalf of Jared Rutledge’s Grade 5/6 class at Terry Fox Elementary School on Livingstone Street East.

Dear reader, 

This June marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Canadian involvement on Juno Beach. To commemorate this important historical event, I taught the students in my Grade 5/6 class about Juno and what happened there. Using resources available from Veterans Affairs Canada, I introduced my students to the Canadian soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Please read on to see what my students learned and how they felt about each of the brave men they researched.

We will not forget.

Jared Rutledge
Grade 5/6 teacher, Terry Fox Elementary School

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Dear Private Antonio R. Vermette,

My name is Hlieb. I’m a student at Terry Fox Elementary School. I am in grade 6. My teacher’s name is Mr. Rutlege. I am from Khorol, Ukraine. Antonio R. Vermette was born June 16, 1916 in St. Norbet, Manitoba. He died on D-Day on June 6, 1944.  He was 27 years old. If he lived for 10 more days, it would have been his birthday.

D-Day was on June 6, 1944 in France. 1944 would be the year the Allies would finally return and powerfully strike back against the Nazis.  It’s important to me because if they hadn’t won D-Day we would all be Germans now.

How did you feel on D-Day? Did you win the Defence Medal? I am asking you because I am making a Defence Medal for Art class. I can’t believe you made the ultimate sacrifice. You gave your life so that we could be alive now. Thank you very much. Rest in peace Antonio R. Vermette.

Sincerely, 
Hlieb

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Dear Pilot Officer Theodore Henry Schrump,

My name is Connor and I’m learning about WWII in my school.  I know that you were 26 years of age when you died and that you died on June 6, 1944.  I’m 100% sure your parents were very proud of you for risking your life for people you didn’t even know.  It’s super sad your brother died a couple years before you while also serving in the R.C.A.F.  What was your relationship like with your brother?  Did you have any pets?  If you did, how many did you have and what were their names? 

This June marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  I know that at 7:30pm there was the first R.C.A.F attack.  The land force opened fire at 5:59am on Juno beach right?  At 20:00 the Germans retreated.  They retreated to the dark forest, pillboxes, and mansions. Then at 20:10 you got more reinforcement.  Unfortunately you fell short of capturing Capidu. Then reinforcements came and helped you capture them.

Saying thank you could never be enough because you gave your life for me and everyone else in the world and so did your brother. So I’m thanking you and all the others that gave your life because it is the least I could do. Rest in peace Theodore Henry Schrump.

Sincerely,
Connor

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Dear Trooper Metro Skwarchuk,

My name is Matthew. I am 11 years old and am from Terry Fox Elementary school. I know you were born July 26, 1919 in Canora, Saskatchewan. Your parents were John and Sophie Skwarchuk and they would have been so sad that you passed.  Were you scared when you left the safety of the boat?  You must have been so brave I would be too scared to leave.  Did any of your good friends die?  Did you get any Medals?  

When I learned thousands of Allied troops died I was so sad. Did all of your friends die?   l wouldn’t have the courage to stay there for two and a half months.  I would be so scared to stay there for that long.  I know that you walked an eight kilometer stretch. I would be so tired to walk that much.

Thank you is just not enough. You sacrificed your own body for people you don’t even know. You never would see your parents again and your friends. I am just so sorry for your loss.  

Sincerely,
Matthew

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Dear Flying Officer Roy Hudson Tranter,

Hello, Roy Hudson Tranter. I’m a student at Terry Fox elementary school and my name is Krish and I am 10 years old. I have learned about how devastating D-Day and Normandy was.  I did some research and found out that you were born in 1913 and got killed on June 6th 1944. I’m sure that when your parents William and Louise heard that you died they were definitely devastated.  You won the France and Germany star and you were 31 years old when you got it.  You were also commemorated on the 464th page of the WW2 book.  You are buried in Surrey, United Kingdom. Your service number was J/28343.

I learned that D-Day and Normandy was an attack on the Nazis to win back France. The Allies (UK, France, USA and Canada) would attack on June 6th 1944 and Canada was assigned Juno beach, UK/France was assigned Sword beach and USA both Omaha and Utah beach. At Juno 359 Canadians were killed.  Adolf Hitler was killing the Jewish people and was sending them to concentration camps to die. Over 1.3 million Jewish kids died and about 6 million Jewish people died because of the policies of Adolf hitler. When Hitler realized the pressure coming from everywhere he commited suicide. 

Saying only thank you would never be enough for what you did. You and 358 other Canadians sacrificed your lives to make our country better.  They sacrificed their life to help us and they also gave away their chance to have their own children or to ever see their family again just so we could be alive and live a super happy life.  These people that gave up their lives are the reason why we are living right now and saying thank you is just not enough.

Sincerely,
Krish

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Dear Major Francis Lionel Peters, 

Hi, my name is Emma. I am 10 years old. I am writing this letter because a lot of Canadians were killed during the battle of D-Day and you should know about it.  Francis Lionel Peters was one of the many people killed during the battle of D-Day. He was born and lived in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. He had a wife named Wima D. Peters. He went and served in World War Two when he was 28 years old. He was a Major which meant he directed troops. Unfortunately, he was killed by the Germans on D-Day.

D-Day started on June 6, 1944. There were 15,000 soldiers, 60 sea vessels and 37 squadrons involved. The Allies (America, Canada and England) were invading France because Adolf Hitler, the leader of Germany, had taken it over with the Nazis. He was putting Jewish people in Concentration Camps and killing them. The American, English and Canadian soldiers would each land on different beaches. Canada would invade Juno Beach. They landed on a beach full of mines, barbed wire, tank walls and hidden bunkers containing German soldiers. There were two and a half months of fighting in Normandy, but on that first day alone 358 Canadian soldiers died and 131 were injured.

When I first found out about the war I was in Grade Two. I had nightmares. If just hearing about it for the first time gave me nightmares I can only imagine how scared the soldiers would be. Without them we would not be the same. If Germany had won the war we would be speaking a different language and Canada would not be so diverse because Hitler would have gotten rid of anyone who did not look German. People should care because people like Francis lost his life, his family and his future for us. People he didn’t even know. 

Sincerely, 
Emma 

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Dear Lieutenant Fancis Gordon Radcliff,

Lieutenant Francis G. Radcliff my name is Colin. I’m 10 years old and I go to Terry Fox Elementary school. I am writing this letter to you to say how thankful I am for how you defeated the Nazis, but I don’t think it would be enough. I learned that you were born in Saskatchewan on May 26, 1910.  Your parents Henry and Laura would have been devastated that you passed.  You must have been so sad that your brother died before you.  It could’ve been an honor to fight alongside your brother before you died.

This June marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. I learned that many soldiers died on D-Day. I learned that over 100,00 Allied troops landed on D-Day and thousands lost thier lives. I also learned that you and thoushands of soldiers got ready for Operation Overlord. I learned that you and other Allied troops were facing machine gun fire and sturdy defenses. In the end you and other troops defeated the Nazi’s and claimed victory.

Saying thank you is not enough since you made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for your people. I will not forget what you did to defeat the Nazi’s.

Sincerely, 
Colin

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Dear Sergeant Edwards Joseph Rigley,

 I am 11 years old and I am a student at Terry Fox Elementary School. I am writing this letter to honor the sacrifice you made for this country and everyone that lives in Canada.  While I was researching about you I found out that you were born on September 7, 1920 and you died at the age of 23. I have learned that you were buried in Calvados, France, which is a beautiful place for a final resting place for a beautiful, brave, and kind man.

I learned D-Day happened on June 6, 1944. I also learned that there were 5 landing zones for forces of different nations including Utah, Omaha, Juno, and Sword beaches.  I learned that you had to go through Juno Beach which is an 8 km stretch with landmines and barbed wire.  The whole time you were getting shot at.  I would never be brave enough to go through gunfire.  When you were getting out of the boat into the gunfire how did you feel?

I think it is important for people to remember your sacrifice because the Nazis might have taken over Canada and some people would have not been born because some people came to Canada from different countries and the Nazis might have not accepted them.  My parents might not have met each other.  My dad is from Sri Lanka and my mom is from Cambodia and they met in Canada.  If the Nazis had taken over Canada they would not have let my parents go in Canada so they would have not met.  I am really thankful for your sacrifice.  If it wasn’t for you I would not have my dreams I have today. 

Sincerely,
Malarvan

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Dear Clarence V. Courtney,

I’m Maryam and I go to Terry Fox E.S. My class is learning about D-Day and how it is the 80th anniversary. I know that you were 28 years old when you went to fight in World War 2 and your rank is Lance Sergeant.  You were born on March 26, 1916 in Toronto, Ontario and sadly died on D-Day.  Your family must have been really sad that you passed away.

I learned during D-Day and the battle of Normandy thousands of Canadian soldiers were killed and wounded. You guys were also swimming in the water to the Nazis with all your heavy gear while the Nazis were shooting at you.  How heavy was your gear altogether?  The Canadian soldiers were fighting on Juno beach.

There are no words to say how much we thank you for being so brave. To sacrifice yourself and give up your family and friends. You gave your life for your country and future people. There are no words to describe how much we thank you for the ultimate sacrifice.

Sincerely,
Maryam

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Dear Rifleman Sydney S. Ryan,

Hello reader, I would like to tell you about myself.  My name is Haleeka and I am 11 years old and I am in grade 6. I go to Terry Fox Elementary school in Barrie, Ontario. My classmates and I have been learning about D-Day.  I’ve learned so much about you and D-Day. It is the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France.  I found out you were 27 years old when you went to war.  Your parents William and Pearl Ryan and your wife Priscilla Elsie Ryan were all probably devastated when they heard about your passing and they probably still miss you till this day.  I also found out your service number is B/64309 and you were born April 28, 1917.  

June 6th 1944 at 7:30 is when all the Canadians landed on Juno beach. Canadians showed up feeling scared, nervous, and worried but the Canadians knew what they had to do to defeat the Germans to the ground. There were 5 landing zones for ships (Juno beach) had Canadians landing on it, (Gold beach) had the United Kingdom landing on it, (Sword beach) had United Kingdom/France landing on it, (Utah beach) and (Omaha beach) had the United States landing on them.  As boats waited for the tide to go down Canadians were getting all suited up.  When the tides went down the Canadians got as close as they could to the shore and then the Canadians jumped down from their ships.  Many swam in the water and some didn’t make it.  Coming up to the shore would be really scary with all the Germans aiming guns, tanks and bombs at you as you try to make your way to the beach.  I have much more to say but I can’t fill it all in.

I don’t think words can describe how thankful I am for not just Sydney S. Ryan but also 

everyone else who had to fight against the Germans. That was a hard thing to do and to see and I am so thankful for everything that you did not just for me but the whole country.

Sincerely, 
Haleeka

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Dear Lance Corporal Andrew James Finnie,

You were one of the many soldiers that went to World War 2.  My name is Aarin and I am from Terry Fox Elementary School. I am 10 years old. I was sad to hear that you passed away in action on June 6, 1944.  I’m sure your parents Andrew and Janet Finnie and your wife Margaret. E Finnie were devastated to hear that you passd away at the young age of 31.

I learned that thousands of Canadians landed on Juno Beach. Most of the soldiers who were killed were buried in France. Over 13,000 Canadian Soldiers were wounded in Normandy and 359 died on Juno Beach.

I thank you and your fellow soldiers for all you did because you sacrificed your life for the freedom of our country. You swam in the ocean, landed on Juno and then went threw barbed wire.  I know my thank you is not enough but I want you to know we will never forget you.

Sincerely, 
Aarin 

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Dear Trooper William Feschuk,

If you had a family member that went to WWII, then listen to my letter. Hello, my name is Jayden. I go to Terry Fox Elementary School. I am ten years old. I learned that you had four sisters and two brothers. I’ve been learning about D-Day. I learned that you passed away on June 6, 1944 in France. You joined the army in January 1940. You were posted overseas in October 1941.

You were really brave to jump off the boat and swim toward the shore where the Germans were shooting at you and you couldn’t do anything because they were in bunkers. Did your brothers make it out?  Did you save any Jewish people?  I learned that Germany took over most of Europe. Lots of people didn’t have tank’s.  Did you have any friends that fought in the war?  I’ve also learned that Canada took a lot of beach.

I learned that by August 21 tens of thousands of Germans were held captive.  Caen finally fell to Canadian and British troops on July 9-10.  There were pipelines called “pluto” [ pipelines under the ocean] designed to carry fuel.  The Canadians suffered the highest casualties of any divisions.  Were you alone when you died?

What you did for this country will never be forgotten. You risked never seeing your family ever again just so we could live where we are now. What you did on June 6, 1944 is the bravest thing I’ve ever heard of. I think Remembrance day is very important because soldiers gave a huge sacrifice for us just to be here.

Love,
Jayden

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Dear Private Adrien Leo Roussel,

Hello, my name is Ella. I’m ten years old and I go to Terry Fox Elementary School. I’ve been learning about D-Day and I heard you were born August 27, 1920 in New Brunswick. I know you passed away on June 6,1944 on Juno beach. You lived a very short life of 24 years old. Were you scared during the war? 

Many people died on Juno beach and there were over 13,000 people wounded.  There were pill boxes and girder obstacles. The battles in Normandy lasted two months, three weeks and three days. The D-Day started on June 6, 1944. The beaches were given names like Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.  There were almost 133,000 Allied troops on D-Day.

There is no way I can repay you for what you did for the country we live in and risking your life to save the people we have today.

Sincerely,
Ella

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Dear Lance Sergeant John Montgomery Simpson,

Hello my name is Jashan and I am 11 years old. I go to Terry Fox and I think it is the best school in the world. I am living free because of you. 

I know that you were in World War 2.  I also know that you were born December 9, 1920 in Toronto, Ontario. I sadly know that you died on D-day but you served for Canada and that is what matters. You were brave for jumping off the boat and swimming at Juno beach.  What was it like swimming at Juno Beach?  Did you have any siblings?  Did you fight along with any of your friends? Were you in another war before this? 

Speaking of War, Remembrance day is soon and people think it is a one day thing. It is more than a one day thing.  You guys risked your life to make our lives better.  So what I am saying is thank you John Montgomery Simpson. Thank you to all of your friends, your family and thank you to all that fought in the World Wars.

Sincerely,
Jashan

P.S. Thank you for everything

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Dear Wilbert Gordon Sears,

I am Mitchell and I have been learning about you. I am 11 years old and I love ants. I go to Terry Fox Elementary School. I learned you died of Hernia Disease on March 27, 1944.  I learned you were a trooper.  It must have been hard to leave your dog Chubby. I also learned your dog died 5 years after you.  Also, what breed was your dog Chubby?

I learned that they had a tunnel under the British Channel for delivering fuel. It was called Operation Pluto. I know there were 284 major warships at Juno Beach.  Also, I learned that there were over 155,000 Allied troops. Finally, I learned that over 450 soldiers arrived before dawn.

I think it’s important that everyone should care because you because you gave your life for Canada. You gave everything you had for our freedom.  You gave up your family, your dog, and even a chance at having a good life and for that I think you’re a hero.

Sincerely,
Mitchell

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Dear Flying Officer James Harrison Clark ,

I was sad to learn you died 3 days before your birthday to a tragic bomb. My name is Haani and I am 10 years old. I am a student at Terry Fox Elementary School.  I heard you were 23 years old when you died on June 7, 1994 and that you were born on June 10, 1920 in Miniota, Manitoba. I know that you worked for the Royal Canadian Air Force. When I was learning about your sacrifice for our country I learned you were flying the British Sterling when you got bombed and unfortunately died. Did you get any medals or know anyone who did?

I learned about D-day in class.  I learned that the war started on June 6, 1944 and that many of the Canadian soldiers that fought in the war were from New Brunswick.  What was it like seeing people die in front of your own eyes?  What was it like knowing you could die that day? 

I really, really and really appreciate your sacrifice for Canada. In fact Canada wouldn’t be Canada if it wasn’t for you. I hope people won’t forget you because I won’t. I will never forget the soldiers who also fought alongside you to sacrifice their lives for us and new generations to come. You could have stayed home with your family and lived the longer life you deserved.  Words are not enough.  I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you. I will never forget.

Sincerely,
Haani

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Dear Lance Corporal John Ernest Walker,

Hi, my name is Nolan and I’m 11 and from Terry Fox E.S.  I heard that you died at 24, on June 6th, 1944.  I’m sure your parents George and Hazel and your wife, Rita, were devastated after hearing about your death.  I also found out you lived in Sussex, England.  I also found out that you were buried in Beny-Sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in Calvados, France.

I learned that 359 Canadians died on D-Day alone and over 61,000 died in WW2.  I also learned that some of your Allies hid from enemy troops in the local beach houses and hotels at Juno. What was it like in the buildings?  I know as well that some of the soldiers drowned, trying to avoid the rapid, loud gunfire of the German Nazis.  What did the guns sound like?

I feel saying I’m grateful is an understatement because without people like you none of the newer generations would be here.  I wish all the soldiers lived a happy, long life but alas it doesn’t always work out.

Rest in Peace,
Nolan

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Dear Lieutenant Hugh Walker,

Hi my name is Callie and I am 10 years old.  I go to Terry Fox E.S.  My class has been doing research on D-Day.  I learned you were 21 when you passed.  I also learned you were born on October 14,1922.  I learned you had brown hair and blue eyes.  I found out you had a scar on the back of your hand.  How did you get the scar?  Your parents William and Maisie Walker were devastated when you passed.  You are very brave.  I have a question, what did you eat when at war?

On June 6, 1944 D-Day started.  Were you scared when you landed on Juno beach?  I know there were thousands of people there and thousands of people died.  Even more people were killed or wounded in Normandy. 

Everyone should remember what all of you did.  Everyone was very brave so you should not be forgotten.  You risked your life so everyone has the life that they have today.  If you didn’t do what you did it wouldn’t be the same.  Thank you you for everything you did. 

Sincerely,
Callie 

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Dear Mr. Joseph Patrick Walsh,

My name is Abigail and I am 11 years old.  I go to Terry Fox Elementary school.  I learned that you died on June 6, 1944.  Mr. James Walsh and Mrs. Nellie Walsh were probably so sad to hear that you passed.  I also learned that you were born in Doyles Brook, New Brunswick.  I found out that you were a Lance Sergeant.  What does Lance Sergeant mean?  It is sad that you died when you were only 28. 

On D-Day thousands of people lost their lives.  It must have been difficult getting to Juno Beach while people were shooting at you.  D-Day started June 6, 1944.  There were a lot of nations fighting Germany.  I learned that the code name for your fight was Operation Overlord.  Were you scared to fight at Juno Beach?

There are no words to describe how thankful I am that you risked your life for us.  You fought for people you would never meet.  Most people think Remembrance day is one day to remember but I think you should remember every day because what you did deserves more than one day.  The people that paid the ultimate sacrifice deserve more than one day to remember.

Sincerely,
Abigail

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Dear Private James George Broadfoot,

I am so sorry you passed at such a young age James.  My name is Neel.  I’m 11 years old.  I go to Terry Fox Elementary.  When I was learning about D-Day I learned that you were born on October 6, 1923 and you went into war when you were only 20.  Did you win the Victoria Cross or did you know anyone that did?  

In World War 2 over thousands of Canadian squadrons and vessels of the Royal Canadian Navy participated.  What did Juno Beach look like and what was it like knowing the risk?  I think when you sadly passed away your parents were really proud of you but really sad.

I care about D-Day.  Some people think D-Day is just a day.  They are wrong.  It’s not a day for me.  D-Day is about you and lots of soldiers sacrificed their life for us even though they could have marriage or kids.  I am so thankful for what you and lot’s of other soldiers did.  Thank you so much. 

Sincerely,
Neel

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Dear Lieutenant Robert Walker Thomason,

Hello, my name is Eidson and I am 11 years old and I’m a student at Terry Fox Elementary School.  You were born on October 15, 1915.  I’ve heard that you were on the grounds at Juno beach and you died at the age of 28.

Some of the soldiers died by drowning because they had to swim over their heads in water with their uniform and their gear.  The Canadian soldiers had to face mortar rounds, landmines, machine gun fire, and barbed wire.  The mortar rounds left big holes in the beach for the Canadian soldiers to hide in because of how big they were.  There were 359 Canadian soldiers who died on Juno beach.  There were thousands of Canadian soldiers that died during WWII.  Juno was called Operation Overlord.  The Canadian soldiers fought endlessly for two months.  The boats could carry around 40 people in them.  It happened on June 6 1944.  Juno is a beach that is 8 km long.  Did you win any medals?  How did you feel after getting off the boat?

Saying thank you isn’t enough because you gave the ultimate sacrifice for the people you don’t even know.  If what you and the other soldiers didn’t do what you did we wouldn’t have the peace we have today.  I don’t know how to repay you and the rest of the soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom of our country.  If you and the other soldiers didn’t do what you did we could all be speaking German right now and I can’t show how thankful I am.  I will always remember you.

Sincerely,
Edison

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Dear Rifleman Thompson Gilbert,

Thank you for saving my country.  It wouldn’t be here without you fighting for it.  My name is Colton and I am 11 years old.  I go to Terry Fox Elementary School.  I learned about you.  I was sad to hear you passed and your family was probably devastated and sad.  What was it like getting off the boat at Juno?  Did you have friends or a brother or a sister in the war?  Were you scared to go on land?  What was it like?  Were you are scared?

When I learned about D-Day I learned that thousands of our soldiers were wounded in Normandy with many suffering injuries to the body and mind that they would carry for the rest of their lives.  Normandy was the beginning of 11 months of hard fighting in Northwest Europe.  Canadians would also go on to play an important role in bitter struggles at places like the Schelt, the Rhinelands and the Netherlands.  

I want to thank you a lot but words are not enough.  You were a hero who died fighting for our country.  You sacrificed living a better life for the sake of our lives.  I hope you rest in peace with the soldiers who fought with you. 

Sincerely,
Colton 

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Dear Corporal Henry A. Pockiluk,

Hi Henry A. Pockiluk.   I am David and I go to Terry Fox Elementary School.  I was born on the 27 of September 2013.  I know that you were born in London, Ontario in 1919 on the 1st of September.

I know that this year is the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in France.  I know that you went to World War 2.  You came from Canada to help the United Kingdom to fight the Nazi’s.  I know that it was hard for Canadian Soldiers to get to Juno Beach because there were landmines and barbed wire that made it hard for you and your friends.  I know that the Canadian Soldiers captured more than 2000 Nazi’s in Normandy.  I know that thousands of Canadian Soldiers died in Normandy.  I know that in Juno Beach on June 6, 359 Canadian soldiers died including you sadly.

Saying thank you is not enough because if you didn’t go to Juno Beach we Canadians and other countries could be Nazis.  I know that when you died Nicholas and Julia were very sad. You were young when you died.  I know that you felt pain and you had bravery for fighting against the Nazi’s for months and months.  Saying thanks is not enough.

Sincerely,
David

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Dear Sergeant Percy S. Parkes,

Hello, my name is Isabella and I’m in 6th grade.  I’m 11 years old and I go to Terry Fox  Elementary School.  While learning about D-Day, I’ve discovered that you were 31 when World War 2 happened.  When you had to leave for war, I’m sure your wife, Rhoda May Parkes, missed you very much.

Canadians landed in Juno Beach on June 6th, 1944. Alongside Canadians were the USA, France, and Great Britain.  Everyone fought their hardest to battle the Germans so they didn’t take over Europe.  By the time the Canadians landed in Juno Beach, the Germans had already set up multiple traps and barriers to make it harder for them to enter.  On June 6 alone, there were Canadians 359 soldiers killed.  Since there were many traps and barriers along the shoreline, all the soldiers had to carry their heavy gear and equipment through deep waters while also trying not to get it wet.  Some even drowned before they made it to land.  

I would say thank you, but words can’t describe the struggles and sacrifices you took for our country.  You risked your lives and barely slept or ate so Canada and Europe wasn’t taken.  No one could ever repay you for the work you did to save our country.  You and all the other soldiers will forever be in our hearts and remembered by millions.

Sincerely,
Isabella 

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Dear Squadron Leader Wilmot Reginald Pettit,

 Hello Squadron Leader Wilmot Reginald Petit and eveyone else who is seeing this. My name is Ibrahim. I’m 11 years old and I go to Terry Fox Elementary school.  I’m learning about D-Day and I learnt that you were born on April 3rd, 1912 in Brantford, Ontario.  You enlisted into the army on September 5th, 1940 in Ottawa, Ontario.  Your service number is J/15517.  You served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

You also arrived at Juno at the age of 32 and sadly died the same day.  I’m sure your parents Harry A. and Kathleen Pettit were devastated.  You are buried at Ranville War Cemetery in Calvados, France.  You’ve also won some medals such as the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Office of the Order of the British Empire.  You spent three years in service and volunteered to lead the aircrafts on D-Day.  What medal did you want to win?  Did you know anyone that had that medal?

2024 is the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  What I’ve learnt about D-Day is that it was called “Operation Overlord” and soldiers were training months before.  It happened on June 6, 1944 and it was named as the largest amphibious attack in war history.  Sadly Canadian 359 soldiers were killed that day.  Soldiers left the landing crafts and had to wade through the water, which was higher than some of the soldiers.  I know you guys stayed determined because the Nazis were not weak, they had all sorts of defenses around Juno.  Did you fly a bomber?  Did you get shot down?  How hard was it seeing the airfield?
Saying just thank you wouldn’t be enough.  Words can’t even describe what you and all the other 155,000 soldiers went through.  You and all the other soldiers fought for our freedom, if you didn’t I would be German or not even born and speaking German.  There wouldn’t be any diversity in Canada.  Everyone would be white if it weren’t for you and your soldiers.  You volunteered to save our country.  Most soldiers died when they shouldn’t have.  I thank you so, so much.  Like I said earlier, I most likely wouldn’t be alive, wouldn’t have my religion, and who knows, maybe even my parents.  I will never, ever forget you.

Sincerely,
Ibrahim

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Dear Rifleman Roy W. Brooks,

Hello! My name is Serena and I am 10 and I go to Terry Fox.  I have learned a lot about you. You were born on September 7, 1924 and you were 22 when you joined the army.  Your parents, John and Janet Brooks were so sad to hear that you passed.

D-Day started on June 6, 1944.  Thousands of Allied troops landed on Juno Beach on June 6. What was it like when you were at war?  I know that there were 5 landing zones: Juno Beach, Gold Beach, Sword Beach, Utah Beach, and Omala Beach.  Did you know anyone who passed?  If so, it must have been horrible.  Most of the army were teenagers.

There is no way I can thank you enough for what you have done.  You have made a big sacrifice for Canada.  I could never thank you enough.  Words are just not enough.  We will always remember you.

From,
Serena

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Dear Warrant Officer Class 1 Daniel Yeo, 

My name is Bennett, and I’m 10 years old.  I go to Terry Fox Elementary School, and I love hockey.  My teacher is Mr. Rutledge.  I learned that you were born in Alberton, PEI in 1916.  I also learned that you were killed in action at the age of 29.  Your parents must’ve been devastated. I know that you had 9 siblings.  I can’t believe how busy that house would have been.  I have 1 brother and think its crazy!  Did any of your siblings fight in the war?  What were you feeling as soon as you set foot on the beach?  I learned that you were part of Operation Overlord.  I know that you fought hard and made an outstanding sacrifice.  I learned that the Canadian military was in charge of an 8 km stretch of Juno beach.  I learned that you and the rest of your troops had to power through mines, artillery batteries, mortar rounds, thousands of Germans, tank walls, barbwire, and oppressive heat.  Even though Canada was very successful, 359 lives were lost. 

I’m genuinely thankful, but that wouldn’t be enough.  Many people think Remembrance day is just a day where you are just quiet for a minute.  But that’s not true, Remembrance day is a day where you think about the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost a life to give many lives.  If it wasn’t for you I would be writing this letter in German.  Thank you is not enough but I couldn’t care more for what you did.
Sincerely,

Bennett

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Dear Gunner Harvey Lloyd Walker, 

Hi there, I’m Chase and here are a few things about myself.  I am 10 years old.  I go to Terry Fox Elementary School.  My favourite colour is blue and my favourite sport is football.  I learned that you went to D-Day and fought for us Candians but sadly passed away.  Did you fight along with any of your friends?  I also learned that you were born in Utterson, Ontario.  What was Utterson like?  You were 22 years old when you passed away.  I found that you were the son of Harry and Manda Walker. I’m sure your parents were devastated when they found out you passed away.

I was researching and I learned that D-Day happened on June 6th 1944.  I learned that the Canadians were fighting with allied troops against the Germans.  I also learned that the Canadians were fighting across Juno Beach, a 9.7km beach.  Thousands of Canadians stormed Juno Beach approaching from boats, while trying not to get shot.  Were you scared coming from the boats? Normandy was the beginning of 11 months of hard fighting.  I learned that the Canadians won for our freedom.

I am thankful for your sacrifice but saying thank you is not enough.  You made the ultimate sacrifice for all future generations of Canadians.  You and the Canadians let us have freedom.  I want many people to care about the sacrifice that you made.  I want them to recognize that Remembrance Day is not just one day of remembering the Candians but recognizing it for forever.  We could all be talking German right now if you didn’t make the ultimate sacrifice.  You should be appreciated a lot for what you did.  The Canadians may have won, but it came with a high price.

Sincerely,
Chase