THUNDER BAY – In his 30 years with the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment David Ratz got to know a lot of the veterans who served in the Second World War.
Now, as the commanding officer of the unit, he knows it’s the responsibility of him and others to make sure those memories and experiences are preserved.
The Lake Superior Scottish Regiment honoured the 75th anniversary of the mobilization of the Lake Superior Regiment (motor) to go into battle in Europe during a ceremony at Hillcrest Park on Sunday morning.
In addition to knowing many of those former soldiers, Ratz also has extensive family history of military service.
“It’s very personal for me,” he said. “I think about the soldiers and veterans I knew over the years. There are fewer and fewer of them so this is our way to carry on their memory.”
Though skies were threatening, rain held off for the ceremony which included current members of the unit along with veterans and a colour guard.
They prayed and remembered those lost, fired a ceremonial cannon and laid a wreath and poppies at the monument.
The regiment had 800 soldiers sent overseas into the Second World War, with 700 either being wounded or killed.
Their role was a costly and dangerous one.
“They were the infantry supporting the tanks,” Ratz said.
“They would go into battle behind the tanks and when the tanks hit the enemy’s position the infantry would dismount and engage the enemy or if they were going through towns or woods the infantry in their armoured vehicles would go forward and clear those areas of enemy soldiers before the tanks went through.”
Sgt. Cody Noyle, 24, said it’s important to remember those who come before and made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We’re following in their footsteps,” he said. “It’s up to us to remember and honour them.”
The Lake Superior Scottish Regiment has still remained an important part of the Canadian Forces, with soldiers serving in both peacekeeping and combat roles in many international conflicts.
Cpl. Anthony Boneca was killed in Aghanistan on July 9, 2006.
While many people think of veterans as those who served in the World Wars, recent contributions sometimes go unrecognized.
“It was surprising talking to people that many were unaware we had soldiers stationed recently in Afghanistan and currently in Iraq assisting the Air Force,” Noyle said.
