Photographer’s new book tells the stories behind Canada’s war graves and monuments
HALIFAX — Nova Scotia author and photographer Len Wagg was on his day off 30 years ago when he discovered how powerful and poignant a war cemetery could be.
Halifax, Nova Scotia - Photographer Len Wagg discovered the power of war cemeteries during a trip to Italy 30 years ago. His assignment for the Halifax Chronicle Herald led him to the Agira Canadian War Cemetery in Sicily, where he captured the stories of Canadian soldiers who served during World War II. Wagg's new book, "At Home and Beyond: Honouring Canada’s War Dead," showcases the stories behind war graves and monuments in Canada and Europe.
Wagg traveled across Canada and Europe for five years, photographing well-known sites like Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach, as well as individual gravesites. The book also highlights the people who care for these monuments and contribute to honoring Canada's war dead, including war nurses, memorial organizers, and the Canadian casualty identification unit.
Wagg profiles Sarah Lockyer and her team who use DNA analysis to identify Canadians buried in unmarked graves overseas and give them full military funerals in France. The book's foreword is by Warren (Whitey) Bernard, a Tofino resident featured in a famous 1940 photograph known as "Wait for Me Daddy." Bernard's story inspired Wagg to find the boy in the photo, which was a significant moment for Wagg.
Wagg believes that Canada's identity today comes from the sacrifices of soldiers in both World Wars, and the generations who continue to care for war monuments carry on the legacy of gratitude.
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- Photographer’s new book tells the stories behind Canada’s war graves and monuments winnipegfreepress.com
