By Kayla Bruch

Extraordinary veterans recognized for service

Nov 8, 2014 | 11:21 AM

On Wednesday, French Lt.-Gen. Herve Gobilliard presented 12 Canadian Second World War veterans with France’s highest military distinction: the Legion of Honour.

The ceremony took place at Toronto’s Canadian Forces College.

However, there were many veterans, who weren’t able to attend the ceremony; two of which, live in Saskatchewan.

93-year-old Prince Albert World War II (WWII) veteran, Corporal John Hall, was awarded the highest of France’s national orders. His new rank is knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour.

“It’s in response to us guys saving France during the war and fighting our way in and fighting our way out,” he said.

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

13h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

18h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

Dec 13, 2024

On Friday, staff, legion members and friends recognized him for his work in liberating France during WWII , at the Good Shepherd Villas.

Hall fought as part of the infantry with the Royal Regina Rifles, for ten years. He said he spent four or five of those years fighting in France. Hall said he has many memories from the war, many of which he tries to forget.

“I was with the infantry and it was not good,” he said.

When asked if he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Hall said each soldier suffers after going to war.

“Even to this day I still have bad dreams, I think that stays with me for the rest of my time,” he said.

Hall was 18 when he first fought in the war. He said there are many different reasons for going to war.

“Depending on where you live and the time of year and a whole lot of things, I went because I wanted to go,” he said.

Despite his mother asking him not to go war, Hall said he went and served the whole time there. Not only did Hall serve in WWII, his two younger brothers also fought to save Normandy, France.

“I really don’t know what inspired them anymore then what inspired me, well all us guys, there are a lot of Canadians over there in the war,” he said. “Try to fight right from wrong I guess.”

It was 75 years ago, this year, that Canada issued its first and only formal declaration of war. The declaration was followed by D-Day. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Great War.

According to Veterans Affairs Canada, 340 Canadians lost their lives on D-Day, and another 574 were wounded.

The Juno Beach Centre Association said 5,500 Canadians were killed during the Battle of Normandy, a 10-week battle starting with D-Day.

 kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter:@princealbertnow