HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-11-11, Page 7w.
Collection recallsiriumphs and tragedy
An avid collector of memorabilia, Bob Potter of Londesboro has a wonderful display of
World War I, World War II and ViOtnam war artifacts, pictures, letters and stories. He offers
children and the general public an opportunity to learn more about the history of world
conflict as fewer veterans remain to tell the tales. Gathering the material for many years,
Potter visits flea markets, yard sales and estate sales to find the treasures. The internet
has now become part of his search network as he looks into the background of artifacts
discovered.
THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1998. PAGE 7.
Londesboro man collects war hero memories
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
As the years go by and war veterans pass away, there are fewer and fewer
left to remember and recount the triumphs and tragedies of those who served.
Fortunately for this area, Bob Potter of Londesboro is an avid collector of
memorabilia, particularly World War I and II material.
Upon walking into his home, one is amazed with the displays. The walls are
covered with plaques, pictures and letters, telling the tales of those who came
home and of the many who did not.
For Potter, it is more than a collection of paper. "They are like family," he
says, as he has come to know their stories, researched their contribution to the
war effort and in some cases, knows where they are living today.
As one looks at the smiling faces of young men and women in uniform,
Potter can tell their story, talking of the many medals awarded or the flights
flown.
Of particular interest to Potter is the women's efforts in the war. Often
forgotten, he says, there were many female heroes. Aside from the horrendous
conditions and situations faced by the nurses, Potter points out a picture of a
Russian female pilot who flew well over 800 missions in three years.
It is the range of Potter's collection which is fascinating. He does not restrict
his interest to just Canadians, but looks for information on people from many
countries.
As well as his in-house display, Potter has a small shed which is filled to
overflowing with stories, beautifully framed along with youthful pictures, to
bring the lives a sense of realism.
Now with access to the Internet, Potter's search for war heroes has
broadened. He may pick up a hat belonging to a soldier at a flea market, then
be able to track down the story on-line.
It is this continued enthusiasm which will ensure the preservation of war
memories. Wanting to tell the stories, Potter is very willing to take his
collection to schools or other venues to provide a history lesson.
However, to Potter's dismay, public interest in remembering the sacrifices
seems to be waning. When he opened his shed in June for a D-Day
remembrance, only two neighbours showed up.
He worries what will happen to his collection when he is no longer around to
care for it and who will remember the thousands who gave their lives.
Remembrance Day
about understanding
From the Legion Magazine
HELP THEM UNDERSTAND
The theme this year for the
Legion's poppy campaign is
REMEMBER — TODAY IS YOURS -
PARTICIPATE. It contains several
connotations and has a message for
most of us, whether war veteran or
not.
The word REMEMBER quite
naturally has more meaning for war
veterans whose experience in war
is a tangible thing. But the veteran
population is dwindling at an ever-
increasing rate and with it the true
meaning of remembrance, unless
the veteran continues his vigorous
role as the leader in this annual
ceremony.
As the war years recede, the
Legion will find that it must define
more aggressively the meaning of
remembrance and play a leading
role in its perpetuation.
The words TODAY IS YOURS
are directed to the majority of our
population, those who have not
experienced war. Canadian students
of today have enjoyed the longest
period of peace of any students in a
century. When properly analyzed it
becomes obvious that the progress
made in Canada over the past 50
years has been significant. "
The World War II generation has
much to be proud of in this respect,
but it is now at a point when its
major role is diminishing. Today
belongs to the new generation.
The word PARTICIPATE is a
call to the new generation to get
involved, particularly in
remembrance. For 60-odd years
poppy campaigns, the distribution
of poppies and wreaths to the
public, have been the symbol of
remembrance, coupled with annual
cenotaph ceremonies on Nov. 11.
Time gradually erodes the
concept of remembrance to many,
but it must not be allowed to phase
Help protect the environment
Reduce, reuse and recycle
out through lack of participation.
The heritage of freedom and the
highest form of citizenship
displayed by veterans in time of
war and in peace must be strongly
maintained.
One may ask how it is possible to
expect young people to become
emotional about something which
to them is history, written before
they were born. True, one cannot
ask them to remember, but one can
ask them to think about it, to try to
understand the meaning, to use the
occasion to think of their
responsibilities as Canadian
citizens and to participate in the
remembrance activities.
Too many people today are too
concerned and too preoccupied
with human rights and civil
liberties. We are inclined to forget
our responsibilities as good
citizens, we are inclined to adopt an
indifference to such responsi-
bilities. Remembrance Day is the
logical time for all of us to look at
ourselves as citizens, to evaluate
what we have to appreciate our
inheritance.
Citizenship and understanding is
what remembrance can be all
about. The poppy, the flower of
remembrance, must not be.
considered a symbol of war and of
the past. It is a flower of peace and
today represents the hope for the
future.
Special service
Led by piper, Rick Elliott, member of Blyth's Royal Canadian Legion paraded to the Church
of God, Sunday morning for the annual service of Remembrance. The poppy campaign was
held on Saturday. (Mark Nonkes photo)
4r-• 17.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
At Brussels Morris
& Grey Community Centre
December 12, 1998
Social Hour 6:30 - 7:30 — cash bar
Delicious Hot Dinner catered by •
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INTERESTED IN CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION?
you are invited to attend an
OPEN HOUSE - INFORMATION NIGHT
on Thursday, November 12, 1998 at 8:00 pm
at the Lucknow & District Christian School
2 km east of Lucknow on Hwy #86.
This evening is open to anyone who would like too see the school and learn more about it.
The Christian school is interdemoninational, provides good academic standards of educa-
tion, teaches Bible, and makes prayer and Christian music a part of each day. Subjects are
discussed and taught from a Christian perspective.
At the Open House we will give you a tour of the school and show a slide presentation on
Christian education. Staff and promotion committee members will be available to answer any
questions you might have. Come out and learn about this schooling option available to you.
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Come as a group or bring a few friends
No Group too big or small -
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Tickets must be reserved by December 1st
Proceeds to Brussels Morris & Grey Recreation
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