Serving in wars

My Remembrance Clubhouse animal friends have been talking about what Canadian peacekeepers have done in more recent years. But our troops have been fighting for peace for many decades!

80 years ago, during the Second World War, Canadians saw heavy action in Italy. When they landed on the island of Sicily in the summer of 1943, they knew they would have a long road ahead. Our soldiers had many challenges to overcome. The enemy was very skilled. Heat, dust and the mountainous terrain made the fighting even harder. But our troops battled with courage and determination. More than 93,000 Canadians helped the Allies capture Italy.

In 1950, Canada returned to action during the Korean War. Over 26,000 Canadians served in this bitter conflict. Our soldiers, sailors and aviators faced great danger to try to restore peace to the Korean Peninsula. Often outnumbered, they battled hard in the mud, snow and rain. But they were able to hold their ground! The fighting finally ended 70 years ago, on July 27, 1953.

Horses like me can walk, trot and gallop. But when I think back to what our troops did in Italy and Korea, I have to stop in my tracks. Their courage and sacrifice makes me lift my head high and neigh with pride.