.IEST FOIkC-ET W.

Between 1914 and 1918 over 400 men from
Transcona enlisted in service to King and
Country. These brave men fought for the
cause of freedom overseas in the trenches of
Europe. In letters home to loved ones, the
Transcona men bearing a military uniform
asked that “they always be remembered”. In
1918, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, the
signing of the “Treaty of Versailles” brought
the war to an end. Peace was declared and the
date of November 11, known at the time as

Armistice Day took on a very special meaning.

For those who returned, there were physical
and emotional scars. Watching their
comrades die on the battlefield took its toll.
They were also charged with the sacred duty
of remembering their fallen comrades.

Between 1939 and 1945 the world was once
again at war. Canada was allied with Britain,
France, USSR, China and the United States
in the fight against Germany, Italy and Japan.
On September 3, 1939 Canada pledged
support for Great Britain. Men and women

Tronscono 100th Anniversary - page 52

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Generation of Heroes

were once again called upon to serve in
Canada’s armed service and merchant
marines during World War II. Many of these
individuals made the ultimate sacrifice for
their country for the values of freedom,
democracy and human rights.

Women also experienced many changes
during the war years. They were called upon
as volunteers, both to serve in uniform in
the women’s division of the army, navy or
air force and to work in munitions factories.
Many women took on the task of raising
families alone. Burdened with the task of

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Pictures Courtesy of Transcona Historical Museum

raising children without fathers, they had to
cope with severe loneliness and fear.

In 1945, when World War II ended there was
much triumph as well as sadness. However,
this was not to be the end of war or conflict
and many sacrifices were yet to be made.
There would be more world conflicts and
more wars.

Communities rallied to create monuments
and memorials that would allow future
generations to remember the sacrifices that
had been made. The servicemen vowed