‘In Normandy, we remember’

Nearly 7,000 kilometers from his hometown in France, Gabriel Zaranski traveled to Winnipeg, Canada, gaining a fresh perspective on warfare. The 14 Grade 12 students from Bayeux, Normandy, France, visited Winnipeg this week as part of a learning tour, meeting veterans from the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. These students, who attend Lycée Arcisse de Caumont high school, studied the regiment’s involvement in the Second World War and met veterans from the Camerons.

Zaranski, one of the students, expressed gratitude to Canadian soldiers, saying, "Without them, we wouldn’t be here today."

Racha Madeleine, the students’ teacher, connected with the Camerons more than a year ago when she discovered the graves of ten regiment members in a military cemetery. Realizing the importance of the Camerons’ history in the Normandy region, she incorporated their legacy into her curriculum and coordinated a trip to Winnipeg. Upon arriving, the students met with the Camerons and heard their stories, which helped them understand the human aspect of war.

The Camerons presented the students with regimental coins, recognizing them as honorary members. The coins symbolize the students’ commitment to promoting the memory of the regiment. Madeleine emphasized the significance of learning about the soldiers’ lives and families, which added depth to their understanding of the war. The trip concluded with the students visiting various landmarks in Winnipeg, including The Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and spending time with students at Churchill High School.