Weekly Club Meeting-September 17, 2015

 

One of Monty McDonald’s closest friends was Leslie Miller – a man who had been in the Canadian army and had fought for the victory of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917. Miller, who believed in the sanctity of living things, had sent home a souvenir of his experience – a bunch of acorns from dying oak trees.

Monty McDonald briefly told the members about the history of the bloody battle of Vimy Ridge that defined the Canadian effort in the First World War. Monty believed this battle to be a significant turning point in Canada’s transformation from a colony to an independent country.

 

While highlighting the main aims of the Vimy Oaks Seeding Repatriation Project, Monty told the members about how, during his visit to Vimy Ridge, he had noticed there were no Oak trees in the ridge. It was at this point that he realized what a great idea it would be to repatriate the trees. The idea of repatriation of seeding was greatly admired. The Vimy Oaks Team is currently working with a variety of professionals and agencies to work out the project’s details including the shipment of plants to France.

Monty also informed the members that the Canadian government has committed to supporting the project by making one of its military planes available for the transportation of plants.

 

He concluded his speech with a final remark, stating that the Leslie Miller story should not be remembered as a war story, but rather a love story, and hence his love for living things deserves to be memorialized. 

 

                               

                John Lloyd and his wife Lorraine                      

                Members of Rotary Club Toronto                                                 

                                                                        

                                             

                                                                                           

                                 

 

Nasir won the ticket. Pick the card...not a winner . ..Pot continues to grow.

 

 

Happy Buks