Letters To Fallen Soldiers

Delivering messages across generations was an important mission for this school teacher

- Les Mepham

I’m a teacher and a proud Canadian. My love and respect for those who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom runs deep within me. Canada’s contributions to the First World War became a focus of mine in university and continues to be a highlight in my classroom each November as we prepare for Remembrance Day. In 2017, I had an idea to bring a message from Canada to the fallen soldiers resting in France.

In April of that year, I took the opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge with my Grade 6 students at Essex Public School. After providing some background on the war and the battle itself, I tasked the students with researching a fallen soldier who currently lies in a cemetery at the foot of Vimy Ridge.