It's not often that our little community is "In the News", however in this week's episode of the local paper "The Coaster" there is an article worthy of reading, regarding two young men from the community and their role in the 90th anniversary of the Battles of Beaumont-Hamel and the Somme.
Enjoy
Ed.
http://www.thecoaster.ca/index.cfm?iid=1677&sid=12582Gaultois junior rangers represent Canada’s youth in Ottawa CLAYTON HUNTThe Coaster
Danny Andrews, 17, and Nicholas Rose, 18, from Gaultois will both remember this past July 1 for the rest of their lives.
The two junior rangers represented all Canadian youth at a commemorative ceremony held in Ottawa to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battles of Beaumont-Hamel and the Somme.
"It was one of the best trips I've been on in my life," said Mr. Andrews.
Mr. Rose added: "It was great to participate in such a historic event for Newfoundland and Labrador."
This year’s ceremony in Ottawa marked the first time the Newfoundland and Labrador flag was raised alongside the Canadian flag during the ceremony at the National War Memorial. Since the province did not join Confederation until 1948 – well after the end of World War One – only the Canadian flag had been raised in the past.
BATTLES OF BEAUMONT-HAMEL AND THE SOMME
However, Newfoundlanders made significant contributions to the war effort. On July 1, 1916, about 800 soldiers with the 1st Newfoundland Regiment went over the top at Beaumont-Hamel in France. The next day, only 68 men answered the regimental role call. Two-hundred-and-fifty-five were dead, 386 wounded, and 91 were listed as missing. Every officer who had gone over the top was either wounded or dead.
Beaumont-Hamel marked the bloodiest day of battle for the British army ever and was the first day in the largest battle of the war – the Battle of the Somme.
"It was a very exciting ceremony," said Mr. Andrews. "We got to meet the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, and Michaelle Jean, the governor general. We also met with officials from Australia and England."
The highlight of the ceremony for both junior rangers was when they laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in honour of those who served during the famous World War One battles.
Dave Organ, second in command of the Gaultois patrol, said it was an honour to accompany the rangers to Ottawa.
"Taking part in the actual ceremony, having breakfast with the veterans, and getting to march in the veterans parade was an honour and a privilege for the three of us,” said Mr. Organ. “It's great to realize that two young rangers from Gaultois were representing Canadian youth at the ceremony."
Mr. Andrews and Mr. Rose are two of 17 members of the Junior Canadian Rangers patrol in Gaultois. There are currently only two active junior ranger patrols on the island portion of the province – in Gaultois and Buchans. There are nine in Labrador.
The Gaultois patrol was selected to choose rangers to participate in the Ottawa ceremonies after finishing third in a competition held recently in Newfoundland.
"Nicholas and I were chosen from the Gaultois junior rangers because we had attended a leadership conference for junior rangers,” said Mr. Andrews. “I attended one in 2005, while Nicholas attended a leadership conference in 2004."
Mr. Andrews, who will complete Grade 12 at Victoria Academy next spring, said he has enjoyed his five years as a member of the rangers. He said the program has helped him mature as a young adult.
Mr. Rose graduated from Victoria Academy in June 2006 and was a member of the junior ranger program for four years.
The Junior Canadian Ranger Program offers youth aged 12-18 who live in remote and isolated areas across Canada a chance to participate in fun and educational activities in a formal setting.
In addition to preserving the culture and traditions unique to each community, the rangers program aims to strengthen them by promoting healthy living and positive self-image by reflecting the proud military legacy of the Canadian Armed Forces.
