The essence of war remembrance is to make sure the fallen are never forgotten. All it takes is a wreath, a tiny wooden cross, a little token on a faraway grave to show that people still care about their fallen hero, parent or grandparent.
This year, though, the pandemic stepped in, barring all travel for families to visit the World War II graves in France's Normandy, where Saturday marks the 76th anniversary of the epic D-Day battle, when allied troops successfully stormed the beaches and turned the war against the Nazis.
"I was actually choked up when I got the first request," Oldrid said. "I'm always on the other side. Always in the background," he said. As June 6 approached, the boxes of wreaths and grave markers piled up in his garage. And to soothe the nerves of families, he has also been filming live for Facebook several ceremonies and wreathlayings.
Still, whatever Oldrid is asked "I know he'll say `yes' because he actually doesn't know the word `no.' It is not in his vocabulary," said Barkway-Harney."It's not ever, never will be a burden, he said "It's a pleasure and an honour."
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
One man lays wreaths in Normandy on this unusual D-DayThe pandemic has barred all travel for families to visit the Second World War graves in France's Normandy, where Saturday marks the 76th anniversary of the epic D-Day battle, so they have turned to an Englishman living on D-day territory for help.
Read more »
'One of the most dangerous jobs in the world': COVID-19 kills more than 600 nursesMore than 600 nurses around the world have died from COVID-19 and approximately 230,000 health-care workers have contracted the virus, according to the International Council of Nurses.
Read more »
These Black nature lovers are busting stereotypes, one cool bird at a timeYoung Black naturalists -- and the birds they love -- are some of the stars of Black Birders Week, a series of events and activities designed to highlight Black scientists, scholars and everyday nature lovers.
Read more »
One of Canada’s biggest private lenders looking to sell 11% of loan bookBridging Finance Inc. has already sold $30 million in loans to ride out the coronavirus crisis
Read more »
You’re not the only one skeptical of the stock market rallyYou’re not the only one skeptical of the stock market rally GlobeInvestor
Read more »
Seniors' one-time COVID-19 payment due to arrive week of July 6Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the one-time payment of up to $500 for seniors to offset additional costs from COVID-19 will be delivered the week of July 6.
Read more »