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Remembrances - Dr. Ken TaylorKen asked us to remember our troops in Afghanistan. He remarked that he recently visited graves in Europe and noticed the ages: 18, 19, 20 etc. Many members made donations to remember and honor their sisters, brothers, fathers and uncles. They thanked them for their service, their sacrifice and for far too many, their lives in places like Normandy, Dieppe, Vimy Ridge, London, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
50/50 DrawJudith Barker had the lucky number but missed the queen in her bid for the $706 pot.
Program
John Crossingham asked Ray Bukovec to offer his memories of the Second World War in the Kingdom of Slovenia. Ray began by remarking that today we would hear from a young good-looking guy who speaks perfect English. This humble speaker then instructed Roger Segalin, our photographer, to "take the picture from 'dat' side, because is better"! Ray explained that in Slovenia they don't celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11 as we do, they celebrate "All Saints' Day" and have been doing so since 800 AD. Slovenian families visit the cemetery and in the case of his City of 100,000 about 50,000 visit on All Saints' Day. The gravesites in the cemeteries reflect the architectural history of Slovenia with the 'marmor' stone (marble) structures, small fences and resting benches. You will find family groups gathered there on All Saints' Day sitting on the benches, remembering their family members and toasting them with wine. These cemeteries are divided into sections for the military, the partisans, WWI, the Italians from the first occupation of Slovenia, the Slovenian police, the Germans from the second occupation, etc. Ray visits the cemetery first every time he returns to Slovenia. His Grandmother, who raised him, is buried there.
Ray recalls Easter of 1941 as the time when the Italians occupied his City. The language change, food rationing, barbed wire barricades and curfews resulted in the development of the partisans and inspired them in the resulting battles. In 1943, the Italians surrendered to the allies and the Germans occupied Slovenia following very heavy German bombing. The forces of this occupation created labour camps from which 10,000 Slovenian people did not emerge. Ray had prearranged for glasses of wine to be given to our veterans in attendance in the tradition of his homeland. Following Rays direction, we all rose and joined him in a toast to our Veterans. On our behalf he expressed his admiration for their courage and service. As a Slovenian he expressed his forgiveness for the war. He hopes that we will have many more peaceful years.
Scott Heelis thanked Ray on behalf of the Club for his presentation today. Next Week: Classification - Carol Stymiest |
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