In Memory of the Canadian 1st
It was a moment of surprise emotion. The site of a specially dedicated Canadian cemetery recognizing the ultimate price paid by Canadian soldiers in Sicily gives a meaningful sense of home for any Canadian traveling through this beautiful island. Agira, like so many other Sicilian villages, is situated on the very top of a large hill, preciously hanging out over the vast valley below. At the base of the hill lies the Agira cemetery dedicated to Canada's fallen.We had been saving for a number of years to visit this place where my father fought with the Canadian 1st Infantry Division and with our 10th anniversary happening this summer, my wife and I thought it appropriate to use the occasion to track a significant part of Canada's proud history. We began by climbing Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano (10,800 feet), and gaining a vast view of the valley spread out beneath us. It was here, in villages, towns and farms, that my father and his fellow soldiers fought their way through Sicily in what was to be the opening gambit in the Allies' invasion of Europe in 1943.From there we drove through the numerous sites where Canadian forces saw battle, some of it hand-to hand. Most were new to this kind of combat and most were very young. A number fell in their place, the first casualties of an Italian campaign that was to find ultimate success the next year. Not many Sicilians remain who remember that great conflict, but those who do recall the pleasant manners of the Canadians. There it is again! Wherever one travels around the world, you keep hearing that our citizens are "nice." But to use such a definition to describe men fighting in a war is something special and should be a badge of honour to that older generation who responded to a call and carried themselves with respectfulness.Still, pulling into the solitary and beautiful cemetery at Agira overlooking the resplendent Lake Pozzillo, one gets the sense that these fallen Canadians are slowly being forgotten. On their headstones are sentiments from the families of long ago. Statements like: "John, you weren't with us long enough to enjoy what would have been a wonderful life for you, but in honourable death you will remain in our hearts forever," makes your eyes tear up because these men meant something special to so many people and they fell in a valiant cause that did Canada proud.
In that state, I did something impulsive. As my wife filmed with the video camera, I spoke directly to Peter McKay, our present Minister of Defense, and reminded him of this cemetery, its importance to our country, and the need to always keep such sacrifice uppermost in our mind. Through the marvels of modern communication I sent it off to him with the hope that whatever our differences in Parliament, the lives of our soldiers lost or wounded in battle, transcends all politics and speaks to all things Canadian.And to my Dad - thank you. He was wounded twice in the Italian campaign and died 30 years ago now, and though he said little of what he experienced in this valley, his life and sacrifice spoke of the kind of Canada we must always fight for.