Monthly Archives: November 2023

Famous

William George Barker

This Weeks Famous Canadian

William George Barker

First World War Flying Ace William George Barker

Profession: First World War Flying Ace

Nationality:

Canada
Canadian

Biography: The most decorated serviceman in the history of Canada, and in the history of the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations.

Born: November 3, 1894
Birthplace:Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada

Died: March 12, 1930 (aged 35)
Cause of Death: Plane crash

Historical Events

  • 1916-11-15 Canadian pilot William George Barker flying over Ancre River, spots concentration of German troops massing for counter-attack on Beaumont Hamel, sends emergency Zone Call to break up German infantry apart. Barker later receives Military Cross
My Thoughts

Remembrance Day

Three World War One Canadian Soldiers reburied at Loos British Cemetery

  As we approach Remembrance Day in Canada, a solemn occasion that honors the bravery and sacrifices of those who served in times of war and conflict, our hearts are heavy with the awareness that conflicts and tensions persist in various parts of the world. As we take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans and soldiers, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the need for peace and understanding remains more urgent than ever, particularly as we witness the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine and the tensions in Israel.

Canadian Military Tribute – Palm Springs Air Museum

   In the face of the devastating violence and unrest in Ukraine, and the perpetual conflict in Israel, it becomes clear that the lessons of the past must continue to guide us toward a more peaceful and harmonious future. Remembrance Day serves as a poignant reminder that the consequences of war are enduring, touching the lives of countless individuals, families, and communities. It compels us to strive for solutions that prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and the promotion of mutual respect and understanding.

Five lessons we learned about Canada in wartime

   While we pay tribute to the brave souls who fought for our freedoms, we must also renew our commitment to pursuing avenues of peace and reconciliation. We owe it to those who sacrificed their lives and livelihoods to uphold the values of peace and unity. Let us honor their memory by working tirelessly to create a world where conflict gives way to cooperation and understanding.

A real face of war': Colourized photos offer new way to look at WW I | CBC News

   On this Remembrance Day, let us not only remember the fallen, but also actively advocate for global harmony and peaceful resolutions to the conflicts that persist in different corners of the world. May the bravery and resilience of our veterans serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to build a future where strife and conflict are replaced by compassion and collaboration. Together, let us strive for a world where Remembrance Day is not only a day of reflection, but also a day of progress towards lasting peace and understanding for all.

History

On This Day – November 11

On This Day – November 11

  • 1999 House of Lords Act 1999 passed

    The act removed the right to a place in the House of Lords based on peerage and hereditary rights.

  • 1975 Angola independence

    Angola gained its independence after over 300 years of Portuguese rule.

  • 1965 Rhodesia declares its independence

    Rhodesia, a region that is comprised of present day Zimbabwe declared its freedom from the United Kingdom under the leadership of predominantly white leaders. It lasted for 14 years when it was renamed the Republic of Zimbabwe after being recognized by the UN and the UK.

  • 1926 Approval of numbered highways in the US

    Under this system odd numbered highways run north to south while even numbered highways run east to west. Lower odd numbers are in the west, and higher odd number are in the east. Lower even numbers are in the south, and higher even numbers are in the north.

  • 1918 World War I ends

    An armistice was signed to formally end the war. With 17 million casualties, the First World War was one of the bloodiest conflicts in history.

History

On This Day – November 10

On This Day – November 10

  • 1969 Sesame Street premieres

    Sesame Street, the long-running American children’s television series, premiered on TV stations.

  • 1951 North American Numbering Plan begins

    The plan standardized distance calling and gave phone numbers in cities a fixed 3 digit prefix, also called an area code. This made making long-distance calls faster and easier and without the involvement of an operator. The first call under the plan was made between the mayors of Englewood, New Jersey and Alameda, California.

  • 1903 Windshield wiper patented

    The US patent office granted inventor Mary Anderson a patent for automatic windshield wipers – a device that is used to remove or wipe the front and back windshields in automobiles.

  • 1898 Wilmington riots begin

    Thought to be one of the only incidents of insurrection against a local government in the United States, the Wilmington Race Riots of 1898 or the Wilmington Massacre of 1898 began after an election voted in a biracial city council. In retaliation, white supremacists overthrew the council, destroyed a lot of property and killed many black people in the city over the course of a few days.

  • 1775 US Marine Corps is created

    The elite military force capable of operating on land, sea and air was founded in Philadelphia during the American Revolutionary War. A resolution of the Second Continental Congress formed two battalions of Continental Marines that became the forerunners of today’s marine corps.