*** This is a public celebration, free and open to all the public, as we honour Canada’s 150th birthday. ***

As we think about this nation during Canada’s 150th birthday, the Canadian International Council is honoured to host Gordon and Judith Thomas as they tell an incredible story which deals with: Canadian courage and tragedy during WWII; the tireless work of volunteers and professionals to solve a mystery (several mysteries, in fact); and family and communities coming together to celebrate great courage under fire of 72 years ago.

“You Were Found and We Rejoice!” “You Are Not Forgotten.” These are the words that the next of kin chose to have engraved on the headstone for Private Kenneth Duncanson, Judith’s first cousin once removed. Kenneth was killed during an unsuccessful attempt by the Canadian Algonquin Regiment to establish a bridgehead across the Leopold Canal near Bruges, Belgium on September 14, 1944. He was one of eight soldiers of the Regiment whose bodies were left on the battlefield during the chaos of the withdrawal. On November 11, 2014 a metal detector hobbyist discovered some military artefacts and human remains in a farmer’s field at the site of the battle. On April 5, 2016 the Raakvlak archaeological team from Bruges, assisted by a forensic archaeologist and a historian from the Casualty Identification Program of the Department of National Defence (DND) in Ottawa, recovered the remains and identified the soldier as those of Private Duncanson in May 2016. Thus began our journey of remembrance that culminated with a solemn and emotional service at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery on September 14, 2016. Kenneth was laid to rest with full military honours by his unit, The Algonquin Regiment, exactly 72 years after his death. The journey was made memorable because of the care, help and support provided to us by staff of the Directorate of History and Heritage (DND), Canadian War Graves Commission and Veterans Affairs Canada and by the local Belgium citizens.

Date and Time
Tuesday May 2, 2017
6:30 p.m. Doors open, light reception
7:00 p.m. Presentation begins

Venue
Upper Lounge, Saskatoon Club
417 21st Street East
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A1

Registration
This is a free event. Please register online by clicking HERE.

Event Contact
Dan Sutherland | saskatoon@thecic.org | (306)385-9442