SAMANTHA STEWART
The Bishop’s University Newspaper Vol. 71, No.5
fendinmidt remembering the fallen since 1944 www.thebucampus.ca
NOVEMBER 11, 2015
Rewarded for their bravery in combat Six local veterans honoured for service in Second World War PHILIP RICH News Editor
N
ov. 8 was a very special day for six local military veterans. Hailing from Sherbrooke and the surrounding area, the men were awarded the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour for their bravery in World War II. Rodrigue Berger (Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal), Hercule Dupuis (Régiment de Maisonneuve), Roland Moisan (Royal Canadian Army Corps), John Paul O’Reilly (3ième Régiment Anti-Char), Georges Turgeon (RCAF 412), and Ernest Vigier (RCC Anti-Tank) were all honoured with the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction. These distinguished men received the award during the Remembrance Day ceremonies in downtown Sherbrooke on Sunday. A medal ceremony was held at St-Michel Basilica-Cathédral and was chaired by Madame Catherine Feuillet, the Consul General of France in Montreal. Feuillet presented the veterans with their medals while the French Honorary Council Mr. François Gitzhofer introduced them. Over 100 people attended this historical event, with many of them appearing to be family and friends of those being honoured. Other attendees included military, police, cadets, and curious Sherbrooke residents. Upon the conclusion of the medal ceremony the crowd gave
Remembrance Day artwork hanging in The Campus office.
Potential plan could eliminate smoking on campus. Page 4
PHOTO COURTESY THE CAMPUS,YEAR UNKNOWN
What you need to know about grad school. Page 10
the six men a large, heartfelt standing ovation that lasted several minutes. The military band then played the French national anthem and the medal ceremony gave way to the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. All six men fought for the Canadian military during the Second World War and participated in the Normandy and Provence campaigns on the part of the Western Allied forces to liberate France between June 6 and Aug. 31, 1944. These invasions in Northern France and Southern France marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany and ultimately led to the end of the war in 1945. The Legion of Honour was established under Napoleon Bonaparte to recognize the sacrifices made by men and women to liberate France. Feuillet noted that approximately 1000 veterans have either already been awarded this distinction or are in the process of being considered by the French government. Following the medal ceremony, the attendees made their way to the Cenotaph on King Street for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony and traditional wreath laying in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. A short parade followed and the ceremonies concluded with the veterans and Parade Commander receiving a troop salute at the intersection of Wellington and Albert. It was a truly incredible day to be a part of, and was a reminder that history is not just found in textbooks or classrooms, but still has a significant presence in our everyday lives.
The importance of wearing a
poppy on Remembrance Day. Page 12
More Remembrance Day articles can be found in the Features section on page 8.