60th
Anniversary SAR Battlefield Tour - 2005
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It
was a great experience for the author and his wife, Sylvia to
be able to go on the 60th SAR Anniversary Battlefield Tour.
On their other tours the veterans had been visiting fallen comrades,
and erecting plaques. This time, with the hard work behind them,
they would enjoy a trip across their battle route in modern
comfort. Major Danny McLeod gets full accolades for his excellent
planning of the trip, and extra thanks to his wife, Sheila,
who spent so much time with the paperwork and errand running.
The SAR would like to thank Don Sleeth of Camera Kingston who
loaned a video camera to record highlights of the trip. It was
much appreciated.
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Tuesday,
April 19
 They
came to Europe from all across Canada. Nine veterans of the
South Alberta Armoured Regiment (SAR), and forty-one of their
families and their friends arrived in Europe on Tuesday, April
19th, to celebrate the ending of World War II sixty years ago.
It wasn't all celebration. There was also the wish to visit
the gravesites of their comrades who had fallen in battle on
foreign soil thousands of miles from home. They would also show
their many family members where it all happened.
For some, the modern comforts evaporated somewhat when the plane
they were waiting for in Amsterdam was suddenly cancelled, leaving
them stranded. After that was settled they arrived in Paris,
and looked for their luggage for the next couple of hours. This
is difficult treatment for anyone, but when you are 80 years
old, and you've travelled from Canada, waiting around an airport
is not tops on your list.
That night they relaxed at supper in a small dining room at
the hotel where the whole group sat close enough for introductions
and fellowship.
Wednesday,
April 20
The group enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and embarked upon an
excellent tour of Paris.
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