North Bay couple thanks their military family with lawn display
When Remembrance Day arrives, Ted and Ann Myers remember and reflect. They remember their loved ones who fought for our country in both world wars.
Ted built a Remembrance Day display and the couple decorates their lawn with the display every year. It’s made up of 14 crosses that stand row on row and a soldier kneeling at the base of a cross.
Each cross has the name of a different relative on it that fought in the First World War and the Second World War.
“For my side of the family, my dad was in the navy and he was on a number of different ships," said Ann. "He was mostly up in the North Sea. I had uncles in the army …I have an older brother who was in the army. We wouldn’t have the country we have without them.”
One of the names displayed is Ted’s grandfather, Pte. Milton Myers. He was deployed overseas from 1914-1918, where he was wounded twice. Milton was a scout whose job was to spy on the Germans.
He saved a French prisoner of war in 1916 and was awarded a medal for his bravery in the field.
When Remembrance Day arrives, Ted and Ann Myers remember and reflect. They remember their loved ones who fought for our country in both world wars. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)
“One of his missions, he could hear the Germans talking," said Ted. "He and some other officers were walking in the trenches and he came across a French officer sitting there and he asked him what he was doing and he said he was a prisoner of war. And he said 'Not any longer. C’mon I’ll take you back.'”
All of the men on the crosses have since passed away. Two of them were killed in action. Ted’s great uncle Edward died in Sicily during the Italian Campaign in the Second World War.
Alfred Myers was killed during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He was only in his early 20s. Almost 3,600 Canadian soldiers were killed in that difficult First World War battle.
“He’s buried there and his name is on Vimy Ridge, which we’re very proud of,” said Ted. “Some people have to realize that these men saw and did things that we will never see or have to do.”
The Myers said they’re always grateful for family who fought for freedom, and in some cases, made the ultimate sacrifice. Around this time of remembrance, they also think about the other Canadian men and women who served and still serve today. One of their sons even served in the militia.
“Just be thankful for the freedoms that we have now, which we probably would not have if things were different,” said Ann.
The Myers hope those driving or walking by their home will stop for a second, look at the crosses and reflect.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.