(Veterans Affairs Canada)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Honouring Veterans

P.A. close to honouring local WW II veteran with sister city in France

Oct 5, 2021 | 9:00 AM

Prince Albert is one step closer to getting an international ‘sister city.’

During an executive committee meeting on Monday, council unanimously approved moving forward with creating a partnership with the community of Thorey-en-Plaine, a commune in Eastern France.

The village’s cemetery is home to six Canadian soldiers, including P.A.’s own Jim Giles. The soldiers were shot down returning from a bombing mission in Germany during World War II.

Giles was just 22 when he passed away.

The pilot of his bomber squadron was the only one to survive. He was able to parachute out before the aircraft crashed in the woods on the outskirts of Thorey-en-Plaine.

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When discussions about the possible sister city first started to happen, Giles’ family said they were moved by the idea.

Judy MacLeod Campbell, Arts and Culture Coordinator for the city of Prince Albert, told paNOW there is so much good that can come from this kind of partnership.

“This is also a way for us to maybe share ceremonies, to just talk about it, and work with the schools and the community.”

P.A. has had another sister city. A partnership was created with Jilin City, China back in 1998, however, the relationship dwindled with council voting back in March to discontinue any formal ties until the political issues between Canada and China are resolved.

Mayor Greg Dionne also stated the partnership only benefitted Jilin City as they reportedly tried to use the status for economic opportunities.

MacLeod Campbell believes the relationship with Thorey-en-Plaine will be genuine.

“I think both communities are looking at it in the same way and that’s that cultural exchange and education, especially for our kids.”

P.A.’s council will need to vote one more time before the partnership is finalized.

Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick doesn’t see anything stopping it from happening after Monday’s vote got unanimous support.

In his opinion, Giles and everyone who flew during the war is a hero and need to be recognized.

“They had an over 50 per cent casualty rate and I remember talking to a few veterans about that and they knew that, but they did it,” Ogrodnick said.

It’s unclear whether council will discuss the partnership at their next scheduled meeting currently set for October 18.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow