In Memory

Renee Charbonneau Favorites 21m Pretty appropriate today. Media censoring people for their ideas, government taking liberty with our rules and laws... What will you do when it's our turn?

With Hitler blowing up every bridge crossing in to Germany and no way to cross the Rein River, there was idle talk of building a bailey bridge. An impossible fe...at, someone had to come up with an alternate plan. The war could not be won until troops, tanks and allies could cross the Rein. Now, I don’t like to brag but.. a Canadian engineer decided that Canadians could build a bridge, in many pieces that would hook together - build them at night and when they were all assembled - swim out into those dark, cold waters and install them, with the hopes that they could all swim; there would be nothing to it, into Germany they would march. They hid in the bush and forest and they built the bailey bridge, no smoking at night, a glowing cigarette could be seen by the enemy and, well - we all know how that would have ended. And so, our Canadian soldiers put their lives on the line, built the bridge, put it in place, the troops arrived, they crossed over into Germany and two of those soldiers that built the bailey bridge were my step dad Dave Fellers and our Uncle Ray Ireland (married to my Mom's sister Rhoda Moore from Gundy). Dave and most of his comrades could not swim - we held on like hell to each other and the bridge and didn’t take a breath until we felt solid ground under our feet. As for the no smoking thing, they all switched to chewing snoose and Dave continued that tradition until he passed away in 2000. This was the beginning of the end of World War II. On May 7, 1945 Dave was in Holland fighting hard for liberation. Heavy artillery and fighting ensued when Dave saw a tiny blond haired girl laying in the street, severely wounded, with his fellow officers firing on the Germans, he managed to belly crawl into the street - cradle her in his arms and hug her as she took her last breath, he thought she was about 5 years old and he said - with his lips quivering I’ve never seen blue eyes like that. The next day was VE Day in Europe, the Germans were defeated and the Dutch people were free. I can just imagine the satisfaction of Dave and his fellow comrades when on May 10, 1945, the German soldiers were lined up and relieved of their firearms. Canadians do.. not.. surrender. There is no doubt in my mind they suffered terribly from what we now know as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, I didn’t get it way back when but I certainly do now. I wish I could thank them for giving us the freedom we take for granted every day and for protecting this beautiful country of Canada that we live in. Pic: I have written on the back of this pix - Fellers guys but I'm not absolutely certain of a couple of them, hate myself when I do that. Left to right: Don?, Van "Bud" Fellers, Ward Nicholson, Dave (my step Dad) and his brother Alvin Fellers. Margaret Ann Forbes See more

Bob Ross - I have no connection to this soldier other than I saw his name on the Wall and it made me think of the many Canadians that joined the U.S forces to fight in Vietnam. 147 of them never came home. Vietnam may not have been a Canadian war but it touched the friends and families of thousands

The Burnt River.

One of my personal favs. Same barn as yesterday but framed it up with that milky way. @sonyalpha 14mm F2.8 ... 6400 ISO 25 secs Single shot ... fun fact, if you live in gp and that new hospital ever does open up you’ll see this pic on one of the walls there. ... other fun fact. Shot this just outside Rycroft very near where my great grandparents settled in this country . Fantastic area .

Copied from a Smart Relative: "he was one of Canada's greatest warriors. He would go on solo night patrols and enter Nazi positions sometimes he would tie the sleeping soldiers boots together. sometimes he would kill 1 of them (think of the psychological impact of waking to find your friends throat slit right next to you) he has building in Wainwright named for him, some in MB as well and only man I know to actually have an army cadet unit bear his name. Sadly he suffered much PTSD and turn to alcohol on his rtn to Canada was abusive distant father/husband. was not allowed entry to Legion as he was native. When he passed his family only then became aware of his military prowess, and the mad respect that many white soldiers had for him. They were caught off guard when his funeral received an honour guard and a general attended it."

A good reminder.

Thanks Grandpa, for teaching us to STAND for something. <3

I know This has been circulating all day, but I couldn’t agree with the message more!! You don’t have to agree with the relaunch and you don’t have to agree w...ith those who think it’s too soon, whatever your thoughts....just remember to be KIND and RESPECT one another!! As governments are trying to figure out how to ease back into a new normal, please remember the following: Some people don’t agree with the suggested reopening.... that’s okay. Be kind. Some people are still planning to stay at home.... that’s okay. Be kind. Some are still scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening.... that’s okay. Be kind. Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may possibly save their business or their homes....that’s okay. Be kind. Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off....that’s okay. Be kind. Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job....that’s okay. Be kind. Some will wear masks for weeks....that’s okay. Be kind. Some people will rush out to get the hair or nails done.... that’s okay. Be kind. The point is, everyone has different viewpoints/feelings and that’s okay. Be kind. We each have a different story. If you need to stay home, stay home. But be kind. If you need to go out, just respect others when in public and be kind! Don’t judge fellow humans because you’re not in their story. We all are in different Financial - and - Mental states than we were months ago. So remember, be kind. Copy, paste, and share as a reminder to BE KIND!