Ontario Community Newspapers

Oakville Beaver, 14 Nov 2012, p. 7

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Veterans pleased young people attend Nov. 11 ceremony Continued from page 1 7 · Wednesday, November 14, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Second World War veteran William Holbrook, 94, left Oakville with the Lorne Scots Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment in the early 1940s and returned in 1945. He was a transport truck driver delivering supplies in several countries -- France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. "There was quite a few Oakville boys with us," said Holbrook. Holbrook is grateful to have returned home, which wasn't the case for some of his friends, he said. "As kids, Dad always said he was very proud to have served for Canada," said Holbrook's daughter Cindy Kitching. While Holbrook couldn't attend the service, he came to the Cenotaph shortly after and was immediately approached by a young girl who wanted to thank him for his years of service. "Her father brought her up to (my) dad and said she'd been wanting to say to a veteran, `Thank you very much for everything' and all he had done," said Kitching. "She was only about six or seven. It was very cute and lovely." Legion second vice-president Shirley Stacey read In Flanders Fields, which was followed by the wreath-laying ceremony. Second World War veteran Jim Gibb, 91, said this year's ceremony was fantastic because it drew good weather and plenty of young people. Gibb served as an artillery gunner, training in England and Scotland before landing in Sicily. Throughout his journey, he travelled through Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Holland. He encountered many battles including the Battle Ortona, the fourth and final battle in the Battle of Monte Cassino and the final push for the liberation of Holland. While he was hospitalized twice during the war, four of his friends never came home with him. "They're still over there. I always have the opportunity to really think about them. Even though I do think about them during the year, this is a special day," said Gibb. Gibb has gone back to Holland a number of times to participate in anniversary celebrations. During his last visit, he said Queen Beatrix of Netherlands approached him in the parade line and grabbed his hands to thank him. Geoff and Collette Wylie, both born during the Second World War, were moved by Sunday's ceremony. This was the first Remembrance Day ceremony at George's Square Cenotaph for Collette. "It was nice to see it was big and it was really nice to see to so many people come down to pay respects," said Collette. "The older representatives of the Armed Forces are getting smaller in numbers, but there's more younger men (in) the regiment now." Several members of their families were involved in the Second World War, including Geoff's father who was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and Collette's 17-yearold cousin who was killed in the line of duty. "You remember the days just after the war in 1945. We still had our little bomb shelters," said Geoff. "Even as a four- or fiveyear-old you remember those things. "There were so many lives lost and we owe it to them." STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS 3 PRIZES! No purchase necessary The Contest is open to residents of Canada,(excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority as at the start of the Contest Period. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. One (1) prize is available to be won, consisting of certified organic beauty products from Aviceanna, an iphone 5 and a 32"LED TV. (Total approximate retail value of $1,576 CDN tax not included). Entrants must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20th, 2012 EST. To enter and for complete contest rules visit: http://toronto.flyerland.ca/contests SAVE TIME. SAVE MONEY. your source for FREE coupons Visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/flyerland.ca/ everything everything for for holiday holiday e entertaining, ntertaining, decorating decorating and and gift gift giving giving 'tis the season to shop! Over 200 vendors selling everything from spectacular Christmas décor & one of kind gifts to entertaining products & services that will help you shake it up this season. meet the experts Samantha Pynn HGTV Host of Summer Home Gary Mitchell Purdy's Chocolate Head Chocolatier Kimberley Seldon CityLine Expert november 16 -18, 2012 www.seasonsshow.com international centre, hall 5, mississauga, ontario SAVE Sponsored by: $3 on regular adult admission when you bring this coupon to the door. OAKVILLE Charity Charity Partner: Partner: Donations of prepackaged diapers are appreciated.

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