HQ DISPATCH #5 - DECEMBER 2019 |
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Hello! It’s just a matter of hours before we celebrate New Year’s … and May 2020 seems that much closer! In Our Fathers’ Footsteps received lots of media attention this month!
IOFF participant, Elaina Gaetan, spoke with CBC-Halifax and her story was published online. Heidi McLane, Susan Stahl and Jean Gallup were interviewed by the Edmonton Journal, Cindy Mitchell and Shelley Richford by New Brunswick’s Telegraph Journal, Wendy (DeMarco) Oxley and Gregg Oxley by Nova Scotia’s Chronicle Herald. Cindy Mitchell was interviewed on CBC-New Brunswick and Janet Robinson on CBC-Regina. In Ontario this month, IOFF articles were published in 13 newspapers.
Check out our growing media page! Thanks for taking the time to catch up on IOFF’s latest developments. 118 days … and counting! Karen Hunter, on behalf of The IOFF Team |
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Dec. 31st Registration Deadline The registration deadline, combined with our media coverage, created a surge in registrations this month. We hope to extend our deadline into January, but that will depend on whether we can negotiate an extension on our un-booked space. Demand for space in the NL in May 2020 is huge, so “fingers crossed”. If you’ve already sent in your Booking Form—Welcome! Your space is guaranteed. |
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Do you have a New Year’s Resolution? Here’s one for you: train for IOFF’s 20 km walk(s)! In January, we’ll post more about training, packing lists, and such. But, in the meantime, you’ll find lots online about training for long distance walks, including preparation and equipment. Footwear is #1. Hiking boots, walking shoes … you decide. You’ll find that there are pro’s and con’s to each. Determine what works for you. Then, start breaking them in (if they’re new). More about this next month. You can also check out the walking-related questions and answers in our FAQ section, under Walking and Preparation. |
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“I can’t walk. Can I still come?” What to do? Over the past month, I received emails from descendants who were eager to come, but unable to walk. It wasn’t a question of training, but mobility. So, we’ve decided to offer a mini-bus option that can be purchased for our 3 walk days. We estimate the cost to be a maximum of $100/day/person, including a guide and lunch. The mini-bus won’t follow our route (because it’s rural) but will visit our walk highlights (the cemeteries, monuments, castles, etc.) and go further afield (since it has more time). This option won’t be posted on our site but will be offered to those who inquire. |
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Make your pilgrimage yours! |
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“I don’t know why, but I feel compelled to do this.” Many participants have written to me about this feeling, and I can certainly relate to it. Have you thought about your why? Some participants have told me they have unanswered questions. Others have said that IOFF has transformed their “some day” desire into a May 2020 reality. Many have plans. Elaina Gaetan (NS) always wondered about photos she’d found in her grandfather’s belongings. "Why did he keep them?"Now, she plans to meet the descendants of the Dutch family her grandfather knew so well. Heidi McLane (AB) will visit her mother’s cousin’s grave at Groesbeek. “I’ve always had this sentimental feeling that I need to honour him,” she says. Kim Kubeck (ON) says, “I want to locate where my grandfather was billeted at the end of the war.” And, as you know, Cam McLaughlin hopes to find the half-brother he’s never known. |
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For some participants, their fathers’ wartime experience isn’t the only Dutch aspect of their heritage. “My family has another connection to the country through my mother's side of the family,” says Susan Stahl (AB). “We are descendants of Cornelius Van Wyck.
I understand there is still a family castle standing and it would be such an honour to be able to see it.” Tom Porter (BC) plans to explore his grandmother’s birthplace, Rotterdam. “I’ve deep-dived into the history of my father’s regiment and its role in the liberation of the Netherlands,” some have said. Others are reading wartime letters, some are requesting service records and war diaries (though these take some time to receive). I’m thrilled to hear that so many are researching, asking questions, and creating goals. And you? I’d love to hear your plan. |
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Faces of Groesbeek Like Heidi, many of you may have a loved one buried at the largest Canadian war cemetery in the Netherlands, Groesbeek. For two weeks in May, the Cemetery is hosting a special event called “Faces of Groesbeek”. Plaques bearing a photo and personal story will be placed in front of the graves (of those for whom Faces to Graves have received this information). Now is the time to find a nice photo, prepare a special story, and purchase a plaque ($15). More info can be found here! Consider taking it a further step. Determine which soldiers listed on your local cenotaph are buried at Groesbeek. Have an article published in your local paper seeking their relatives. Then, do what you can to ensure that Faces to Graves receives the info as soon as possible. Let’s work together so as many Canadian soldiers as possible receive this special recognition. |
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Poet Laureate of the Blackmud Creek “I’m a WWII buff,” said Garth Ukrainetz in an email to me this week. Born in Saskatchewan, he now lives in Edmonton and is the self-named “Poet Laureate of the Blackmud Creek”. “In the poetry I’ve been writing lately … the theme of “Holland” is showing up in unusual ways,” he said. “Then a few days ago, I read about your IOFF trek … and that was it. I knew I had to write a poem to help out with what you’re doing.” |
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Garth, who writes in a Robert Service style, is a poet who does his research. His poem, “HMCS Kamsack,” (published in the Kamsack Times for Remembrance Day) is about a Flower-class corvette that served with the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII. Named after Kamsack, Saskatchewan, the ship served primarily in the Battle of the Atlantic as an ocean escort. “Please tell your IOFF participants,” said Garth, “that the Poet Laureate of the Blackmud Creek is at work on the task of a fitting tribute poem for your worthy trek across Holland.” |
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Meet sisters, Jean and Susan! “I heard about “In Our Fathers’ Footsteps” through The Canadian Scottish Regimental Association,” says Susan Stahl of Athabasca, AB. “I have always been interested in WWII and would avidly listen whenever Dad would talk about the Can Scots during the war—which wasn't very often. |
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Her sister, Jean Gallup of High River, AB says “When my son took grade 11 social studies, Dad answered some of his questions.” Jean says, “In Our Fathers’ Footsteps” intrigued me from the very first time I read about it. I don’t understand all of my feelings, however I knew at that moment that I needed to take advantage of this opportunity.” |
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Read about Jean and Susan in the Edmonton Journal. And, check out the ancestral home they plan to visit. Located in the medieval village of "Wijk bij Duurstede" in the central part of the Netherlands, Castle Duurstede is one of the most famous castles in the country. |
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Please help us tell Canadians about IOFF! Spread the word among family and friends. Print our colour poster and ask to have it displayed at your local Legion branch, library, bookstore, grocery store, etc. Let’s do this together! | | |
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