Students follow in the footsteps of Canadian soldiers as they mark liberation of Netherlands
Students at Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside, P.E.I. have been actively involved in honouring local soldiers who died in the Second World War. From creating posters and plaques to commemorate their sacrifices, the students have been dedicated to keeping the memory of these fallen soldiers alive. However, Vice-Principal David Chisholm believes that there is no learning experience quite like a field trip to make history come to life.
Chisholm, a former social studies teacher, had a transformative experience during a professional development trip to Europe about 20 years ago. It was there that he learned about the life of a fallen Canadian soldier and realized the importance of bringing history to life for students. He decided that all kids need to have a similar experience, especially since Remembrance Day had become just a one-day-a-year event.
In late April, about 50 students from three P.E.I. schools, including Chisholm’s, travelled to the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the country’s liberation from the Nazis. The First Canadian Army played a key role in this operation, with 7,600 soldiers losing their lives in the process. The students placed a plaque on the grave of a P.E.I. soldier, Alvah Ray Leard, and walked in the footsteps of Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands in April 1945.
For students like Ian Sharpe, reflecting on the sacrifices made by soldiers like Leard and his own great-great-uncle who died during the liberation of Europe is a moving experience. Sharpe emphasized the importance of experiencing history first-hand and understanding the true sacrifices that were made by Canadians during the war.
Teachers like Jackie Shaw from St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School in Bowmanville, Ont., have also noticed the interest students have in learning about history, whether through personal connections to the military or a natural love for the subject. Shaw took a group of students to the Netherlands and France to reflect on the lessons they can learn from history.
David McKinney, a teacher from Parkland Secondary School in North Saanich, B.C., hopes that seeing how Canadians are perceived by the Dutch will give students a greater sense of patriotism and pride. He believes it is important to remember Canada’s role in liberating the Netherlands and the respect that the nation receives from people around the world.
Students like Jonathan May and Drishti Balaiah, who created artwork to memorialize individual soldiers who perished in the liberation of Europe, are looking forward to the hugs and celebrations they will receive in the Netherlands. They understand the significance of being part of the 80th anniversary of VE Day and how it will be a memory they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
As students reflect on the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers during the Second World War, they understand the importance of honouring the legacy of freedom. By standing for freedom today, they ensure that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten.
