Connie Wilson, originally from Carlyle, was selected to participate in this year's Legion Pilgrimage which took her to France, Belgium and the Netherlands this summer. Connie represented the Saskatchewan Command of the Royal Canadian Legion from July 9 to 23 as they toured battle site, monuments and cemeteries in order to learn more about the known events of WWI and II.
The pilgrimage aims to ensure that these events and knowledge are passed on throughout the generations. Connie applied for the pilgrimage back in September and was selected partially as a result of her connection to the youth in her community. Connie has been a member of the Tisdale Legion, in addition to acting as the Commanding Officer of the Tisdale Air Cadet Squadron.
Jack Wilson, Connie's father, was able to accompany his daughter on this trip due to his Legion member status. Prior to leaving, the two sent out a request to those individuals with family members who fought and died overseas. The goal was to identify as many Saskatchewan veterans in order to commemorate as many soldiers as possible during their trip.
As a result, Connie and Jack were able to lay a Canadian flag, Saskatchewan flag and a poppy at 85 headstones of Canadian soldiers.
Hearing Connie speak of her experience, it is obvious that it is something she will never forget. "It was an amazing emotional, whirlwind of a trip. There were many highs and there were many lows."
"Our tour guide was phenomenal. The cemeteries are amazing. They are remarkably clean. Everything is polished and these veterans are really recognized. They truly respect our veterans over there."
"A lot of the things that we did were not the tourist attractions. We would basically just drive down a back road where there was a field that the battle took place. So, we would stop there and talk about the battle there."
"One of my favourite things was Menin Gate Memorial. That was definitely a highlight. My great-great uncle is on that wall. Every day at 8 o'clock, they shut things down and hold this ceremony to honour the veterans. And they have done this every day and every year since 1936. There were thousands of people, probably close to 5,000 people. I got to lay the wreath there and dad carried the wreath there. So, it was very emotional because a family member is on the wall there."
"One of the hardest things that we saw was the execution posts. I don't remember being told about them as part of the war, so that was definitely a learning experience. We went to three different execution posts while we were there. There were 156 Canadian soldiers murdered by the Germans. Not killed in action because of gun fighting, they were murdered. Basically, what happened was that all of the prisoners were brought to places like these. And the Germans would then ask for 10 volunteers. And when no one would volunteer, they would just randomly pick 10 to be interrogated. And when they failed to respond, they would be executed. So those were really emotional stops on our trip."
The Legion Pilgrimage included 27 individuals from throughout Canada. While only 10 representatives were selected for the trip, Legion members and spouses were able to attend the trip as well. Connie and Jack were the only Legion members from Saskatchewan.
The group performed 14 ceremonies during their whirlwind of a trip with the Legion members participating in each and every one. "For the one at Menin Gates, it has always been a tradition that the youngest and the oldest take part. So, that's how I was able to lay the flag there. For the remaining 13 ceremonies, we would decide the night before who wanted to carry the Canadian flag, the Union Jack, the wreath, all of those things. So, we each participated in all of the ceremonies in some capacity."
As part of her requirements, Connie is required to pass the knowledge she has gained on and she is more than happy to do so. Connie is set to present her experience at the Legion's provincial convention in October. If you are interested in having Connie speak at your legion or school or any other venue, you are asked to contact her at [email protected] or 873-2782.
