Two students, Laura Nielson and Amanda Dick, gave an amazing presentation of their D-Day trip experience. They were part of a group of 72 students from grades 10-12 in attendance from Banting Memorial High School. Dana Wright joined Laura and Amanda for the presentation. She traveled with the students to Europe.
The following is a thank you letter from Banting Memorial High School for Rotary's support of their trip to Europe.
Banting Memorial High School
203 Victoria Street East, Alliston, ON L9R 1G5 Tel: 705-435-6288 | ban.scdsb.on.ca
March 25, 2019
Dear Rotary Club of Alliston,
On behalf of the Banting staff and students that participated in the D-Day trip, we would like to thank you for your generous donation in support of our adventure. Your contribution helped 73 students experience key events in Canadian History and bring the lessons that we learn in our classes, come to life. The trip encouraged appreciation for the significant sacrifice that was made, on our behalf, by the thousands of brave men and women who have served and continue to serve, in Canada’s armed forces. Additionally, our students gained through their exposure to cultures and histories different from their own.
Our travels took us to war memorials at Omaha, Dieppe and Juno beaches, Beaumont Hamel, and Vimy Ridge. Students conducted ceremonies at both Juno Beach and Beny Sur Mer that were both meaningful and heartfelt. We visited Tyne Cot Cemetery and the memorial at Menin Gate. Students were impressed with the hardships soldiers faced during a tour of the Wellington Quarries in Arras. I have attached pictures of a few of these experiences.
In addition to the memorial experiences, students also had the benefit of touring the Palace of Versailles, medieval Bruges, Ghent and Brussels and spending three days in London. Several of our students fell particularly in love with the medieval centres in Belgium and along with the architecture and rich History, enjoyed the frites, Belgian waffles and endless chocolate.
To close, I would like to include a sample of the some of the reflections of our students themselves. When asked to comment on the highlights of the trip, here are some of the responses:
“Honestly speaking, everything. It was such a unique experience, and I don't know what to choose as a top favourite place. I think the best part of the trip was being there, immersed in history and culture.”
“Being at vimy ridge, being able to see and listen to what the troops had to go through, and just getting to be in Europe”
“Every walking tour had so much information to give to students, and enhanced my experience of the places in which we stayed.”
“The overall experience I got from this trip was amazing! The London eye, Omaha/Juno Beach, and Brussels stick out in my mind though”
Thank you again for your contributions to this experience. The Banting community is enriched by the support it consistently receives from the wider community that embraces it.
Sincerely,
Dana Wright, Chair Canadian and World Studies Department
