Students lay wreath on anniversary of D-Day

By Joan Janzen

June 6th marked the anniversary of D-Day. To recognize this milestone in history, Maureen Ryan-Dobbin, a teacher at Elizabeth Middle School, took her students to the cenotaph at Baker Park to lay a wreath. Later that morning, the students spent some time learning about this part of WWII.

Ms. Dobbin said the students learned about the facts and figures related to the invasion, including Canadian involvement in terms of injuries, deaths, and thousands of aircraft and boats. They also discovered it was referred to as “D-Day,” rather than the organizers giving away the date of the invasion.

The students watched a Historical Minute about a Manitoba family that participated in D-Day. Ms. Dobbin shared information about the Juno Beach Center and museum, relaying information on the impact of Canada’s role in the liberation of France, which is commemorated each year with a parade in the Juno Beach area.

Last of all, the students learned that a French real estate developer is currently desiring to construct condos in the area and will need to use the driveway for the Juno Beach Center. The Center opposes this idea, as it feels it’s disrespectful and takes honour away from the involved soldiers. The students wholeheartedly agreed as they were able to fully appreciate the value of D-Day.

Thanks to Ms. Ryan-Dobbin for sharing this portion of history with her students.

Maureen Ryan-Dobbin’s class at Elizabeth Middle School layer a wreath at the cenotaph, in recognition of the anniversary of D-Day on June 6.