Editor, The Times:
I belong to Operation Legacy, a group of members of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program dedicated to preserving Canada’s military heritage and teaching other young people how to carry on the remembrance message.
This year, The War Amps is celebrating a major anniversary. Ninety-five years ago, First World War amputee veterans formed The Amputations Association of the Great War. The name was changed to The War Amputations of Canada when Second World War amputees joined their ranks. These men later started the CHAMP Program to assist young amputees like me.
In addition to having had the privilege of learning about Canada’s military heritage from a young age, I also know what it is like to live without a limb – a strong bond that I share with war amputee veterans. Because of this, I feel it is my duty to ensure that the stories of war are preserved and its lessons never forgotten.
I have been fortunate to be involved with Operation Legacy by participating in local Remembrance Day ceremonies and laying wreaths on behalf of The War Amps. I have also donated documentaries from The War Amps Military Heritage Series to the Cranbrook Public Library.
I encourage everyone – particularly young people – to learn more through The War Amps Military Heritage Series documentaries, which are available at a cost-recovery price at waramps.ca.
Nicole Byford
Operation Legacy Member, Cranbrook
