Loading...
Huron Expositor, 2005-11-09, Page 16Page 16 The Huron Expositor • November 9, 2005 Seaforth veteran appreciates student interest Ashley Eddie Black and white photographs of George Miller in uniform during the Second World War sit on top of maps of Europe on his dining room table as Miller remembers his jour- ney during WWII. Miller, of Seaforth is a veteran of the Second World War, and is a member of the Legion Branch #156. Remembrance Day, the day we show recognition of the peace our soldiers fought for on our behalf, is an emotional time for Miller and his fellow veterans. "It's a very touching day," Miller said. Impatient to serve his country, Miller joined the army on Sept. 23, 1941, even though he'd already tried to join the air force., which ironically sent its acceptance the day after. "When the war started, everyone was signing up for something, so I thought I'd better not be the only one not to," he said. He completed his basic training in Canada in London, Kitchener, Sarnia, Woodstock, Camp Borden and Nova Scotia. He then left Halifax on the Queen Elizabeth and landed at Carlisle Scotland, where he took a train to Guildford, England. He was sta- tioned at Dunley Hill, and complet- ed more training in preparation for the D. Day invasion. "We slept out most of the time in tents," Miller said about traditional camp life. George Miller "When we were inside, there were no beds, just cement floors and our blankets. Some guys got.hypother- mia." Miller was attached to the 86 Bridging Co., which was part of the 21st Army Group. This company put the first Bailey Bridge across the Rhine River in 1945. "I served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany doing bridg- ing and other supplies," he said. "They kept us pretty busy most of the time," he said. Miller said that when not prepar- ing for battle, he and his friends would play street hockey to keep their minds off of what lay ahead of them. The duration of the war was very difficult as some of those hockey playing friends did not make it Who are these men? Who are these men who march so proud Who quietly weep eyes closed, head bowed? These are the men who once were boys Who missed out on youth And all of its joys. Who are these men with aged faces Who silently count the empty spaces? These are the men who gave their all Who fought for their country For freedom for all. Who are these men with sorrowful look Who still can remem- ber the live that were took? These are the men who saw young men die The price of peace is always high. Who are these men in the midst of pain Whispered comfort to those they would not see again? These are the men whose hpnds held tomorrow Who brought back our future With blood, tears and sorrow. Who are these men who promise to keep Alive in their hearts the ones God holds asleep? These men are men to whom I promise again Veterans, my friends, I will remember them. Poem provided by Mary Denver, of Royal Bntish Legion of Monkton Prestwick, Scotland home. One vivid memory Miller has was when his unit got called to help with the burial of the dead. "[The dead] were lying out in the hot sun for three or four days," he said. "It was really rough." "The tears come back really quick." He was discharged on Feb. 1, 1946. Although "it was very difficult", Miller doesn't have any regrets. "I'm glad I went," he said. "I'm glad I came back, too." Miller has in previous years talked at St. James School and the Seaforth high school when it was still in operation. He comments on the kinds of questions that were asked of him. "Things like, 'how did you heat up your water?' or 'how did you shave?' "Well, you just turn on your truck, pop the hood, and let the pot sit on the engine and warm up," Miller answers with a chuckle. Student questions strike a cord with Miller. "They have a genuine interest," he said. With the number of veterans who experienced the trauma of war thin- ning out, Miller said young people becoming involved in the ceremony holds great importance. "It's an honour for the people to come out. It's very nice of them to do that." tii LLLLLLLLLLLL LLft! W H itii Lt, [ILII `i;(� i'il'�fl'�=111 S.\'li. i.ICIII'���:t�'. 1,54 1* 4410- freedom.. ;(Thank,.gl 'Veteran UPCOMING EVENTS REMEMBRANCE SERVICE at the Cenotaph Friday, November 11t at 11:00 a.m. Legion Children's Christmas Party Sunday, December 11th at 2:00 pm See our new catering facilities Hall Rental Available for weddings, meetings and banquets President: Ann Wood Poppy Chairman: Rick Fortune Lest We Forget.