For the past month, I've been working on a biography for soldier that served in World War II. The only information we were given were their names. Harold Chappell. That was my soldier, and for the past two months I searched through over 200 pages of him. From what his hobbies were, to the details of his death. For this tour, we were given a list of names to choose from. I chose Harold not randomly, but as I looked through the names, his looked quite familiar. Chappell. 48th Highlanders. These were the key factors in my decision. In my grade 10 history class, we did a biography on a soldier that fought in World War I at the battle of Vimy Ridge, and who died during the battle. Evan James Chappell, a part of the 48th Highlanders. When I first saw the connection, I thought that they could possibly be related. Unfortunately, they were not related, but at that moment, I knew Harold would be my soldier. So, I examined every page, and eventually I started writing about his life. A life that had a great meaning, and made a difference in someone's life. Then, once the tour came around, and we got to Nijmegen, I was getting quite nervous. I kept reading it over and over, making sure it was perfect and adding more things so everyone knew his story.
The day did arrive, and we made our way to Groesbeek Cemetery. Out of the 2300 soldiers that were buried there, I was so glad that I got the chance to remember at least one of them. When I walked into the cemetery, it was amazing, how every single soldier had a Canadian flag at their grave. It gave them each a price of home. I was very grateful to be able to learn about a man that died so tragically. Sydney Carroll Student, Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute Smiths Falls, Ontario
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorsParticipating educators and high school students share reflections on their professional and personal experiences during and after the program. Some posts link to the Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society's blog, Studeamus bellum causa pacis. Archives
August 2015
Categories |