It is always important to learn about our nation’s military history in school. However, there is something about physically standing on a former battlefield that encourages a level of respect and appreciation that cannot be taught in a classroom, says Lynn Giovenazzo, the Commanding Officer of the Branch 613 Lincoln and Welland Regiment Army Cadets.
“To actually view what the Canadian soldiers went through is an experience of a life time that they will never be able to fully appreciate unless they are actually there,” said Giovenazzo. “To actually be able to touch the Vimy monument, to be able to go through the trenches, you can’t get that in history books.”
Giovenazzo hopes to provide many of her Cadets with just such an opportunity during their upcoming trip to Europe, where they will take part in the 99th Vimy Ridge anniversary on April 9th, among other activities. But for some of the kids, the trip will be too costly, and so Giovenazzo is hoping that community members will consider donating to make this amazing opportunity a reality for all of those who wish to participate.
“It’s going to be an opportunity of a lifetime for the kids,” she said, when asked about potential donations. “We have so many Veterans in Pelham, and this is a great chance for our cadets to see what it was like for them.”
17-year-old Warrant Officer Emma Beaule went on the trip in 2012, and recalled how beneficial the experience was for her: “I definitely gained more of an emotional connection to history in general, because before it was more like words on a page, and now it’s clear that these were real people, and I just feel a bigger connection to the past.”
Arianna Ellison, a 13-year-old Corporal who hopes to see the Eiffel Tower, is excited to go on the trip after talking with others who have done it before.
“I have heard a lot of things about how fun and educational it was from my cousins and friends, and from the outdoor senior cadets,” she said.
17-year-old Sergeant Thomas Lyons will also be going for the first time, and hopes the trip will provide some insight into the experiences of his ancestors who fought overseas.
“I want to see what it was like for them,” he said. “I’ve always had a skewed vision when it comes to seeing history on television, or reading about it in a paper or on the internet, and I hope the trip is going to help me understand a lot better what happened.”
Anyone interested in making a donation can call Captain Leo Geovenazzo at 905-988-6590 or email [email protected]
