Remembering
The following is from the front page of the Buckingham Post, dated June 6th, 1941:
God Bless Our Daddy Overseas
For every Canadian who sails the deep, for every airman who flashes through the skies, and for every other man in the fighting forces, the prayers of the nation “rise like a fountain every day”. In time of crisis, our people stand steadfast. In daily devotions they renew the flame of faith and arm with unseen power the warriors of the field.
Oftentimes they discern the Unseen Hand. Witness the Miracle of Dunkirk. Witness, too, in the darkest hours the emergence of great inspiring figures to steady the ranks of Democracy and fire its course and confidence.
Church bells are ringing throughout Canada calling men and women to worship and sacrifice in defense of our freedom, the sanctity of our homes and the future of our children.
Translate your faith into works by buying Victory Bonds.
Victory Loan Sunday, June 8th
Those words were composed by some federal employee.
They were placed in numerous newspapers throughout Canada, persuading Canadian citizens to purchase Victory Bonds to support the forces fighting for our freedom. Note the phrases “prayers of the nation”; “the Unseen Hand”; “Church bells are ringing throughout Canada.”
That was the appeal then. You and I both know that the choice of visionary words would appear in a different context in today’s secular society.
Those who answered the call to arms, to leave their homeland and their loved ones would have known a far different Canada than what we know today. Were they to resurrect today, they would not recognize the place we live in today. They fought under the Red Ensign flag. They would not know, or even recognize, our present red maple leaf flag.
Most who enlisted in the armed forces would have been born in the 1920’s. We have transitioned from the horse and buggy age, through the post-war industrial period to the present era of space and technology. Would those who fought and died for our freedom even understand our Canada of today? Conversely, can any one of us comprehend a Canadian society of 2300 AD?
Another article in the 1941 Post issue is in keeping with the tenor of the times:
Citizens of Papineau County: Come to Buckingham
Sunday, June 8th, at 8 pm DMT. Military Bands, Bugle Bands, Army Trucks, Floats, Ambulances:
Route of parade: Joseph St., Charles St., Concession St., Main St., First Avenue, Maple Street, East St., Denis St., to the Arena.
At 9 pm, there will be a Grand Mass Meeting at the Arena. Distinguished speakers will address you. Grand entertainment.
Residents are asked to decorate their homes.
If you’re planning to motivate citizens to support the fight for their freedom, a colourful parade with distinguished speakers might be the order of the day.
Finally, this Proclamation.
Acting in accordance with an Order-in-Council passed by our Central Government, I hereby proclaim Monday, June 9th, a public holiday.
Dated and signed at Buckingham,
this 3rd day of June, 1941
P.A. Fournier, Mayor
That’s the day that I was born.
