Written By Jan Sims
STRATHROY - Students from Strathroy District Collegiate got a special understanding of the sacrifices made by soldiers in World War II, as part of a school trip to Europe earlier this year.
Their visit took them to cemeteries where three soldiers are buried, who were brothers from Strathroy.
Four brothers from the Adair family went to fight in World War II. Three of the brothers, Sergeant Charles Adair, Private Kenneth Adair, and Corporal Robert Adair lost their lives.
As part of the 10-day trip to Europe, the 48 students were taken to cemeteries in France and Italy where the soldiers are buried. “Going to these places and hearing the stories preserves them for a future generation,” says Brian Anderson. Anderson is a history teacher at Strathroy Collegiate and the organizer of the trip. It was a 10-day excursion that took them to Belgium, France and Italy where the students also visited sites of cultural interest.
Anderson and two students from the excursion were at the Middlesex Centre Archives Heritage Fair with photos from their visit to the cemeteries as well as commemorative information about the Adair brothers.
Sixteen-year-old Natalie Ford is a grade 11 student who was on the trip. “I think it’s important to remember and really appreciate what they did for us, because I wouldn’t have the life that I did have without the sacrifices they made for our country.” Natalie’s views are echoed by her sister Amelia who was also on the trip. “Seeing how many people lost their lives for the future; for us.”
The fact that the soldiers were from Strathroy, provided a special meaning for the students. “Charlie didn’t do well in grade nine. Students can relate to that. Their parents had split up and some students can relate to that,” says Anderson.
Three of the Adair brothers were in the Perth Regiment, and Charles Adair served in the Air Force.
