Great granddaughter creates moving epitaph for veteran

When WII Veteran Claude Perry Rogers returned from war he never spoke of it again. And until he passed away in 2002 that part of his life remained a mystery to his family until his great granddaughter, 11 year old Bre Rogers decided to share his story in her own way.



Each November since Roger’s death, Bre has collected his memorabilia and along with her own research presents her class with a personal Remembrance Day tribute to soldiers past. This year is special not only because as a grade six student it's her last chance to present, but also because she brought his memories alive through her courageous narrative.

Rogers who was deafened due to a blast during the war played a big part in Bre’s childhood. “He was a fun guy to have around,” she says of her memories. “But he didn't talk about the war. I wanted to find out what he did and why he was there because I loved him.

Bre’s grandfather Buddy says he impresses the importance of keeping the memories alive for all his grand children. Buddy was born in 1945 just month before his father left for war. When his father did return it was three years and ten months later and Buddy still remembers the day.

“My mother took me to the train station in Halifax to pick him up. But he wasn't there, “buddy recalls. “It turned out he got off the train in Truro with his friends and hitchhiked the rest of the way. I just remember him walking through the door, I'll never forget it.”

Rogers was a career solider who later retired from the army. The only time Buddy heard his father speak about the war was to a friend who's grandfather had fought beside him, “My father could tell this man exactly how and where his grandfather had died and where he was buried. Thanks the only time I've heard him speak of it. They just wanted to forget it; they lost a lot of friends,” he said.

Ironically Bre has worked to keep the memories alive, “ I just wish he had shared more storied. I'm proud of him. People tend to forget because it was so long ago but we wouldn't be free if it wasn't for these people.”

Although she presents every year there is no worry about repetition as Bre adds to the collection, which includes pictures, medals and stories found on the Internet. And she says there is always some new addition to the class who has never seen the display.

This year she has added her own words to the mix at the request of her teacher. Bre composed a free-style poem in the first person, hoping to be the voice of her great-grandfather. She will read the moving epitaph to the school and visiting Veterans Nov 9 at the Brooklyn Elementary School. On that date she plans to wear a poppy her great grandfathers Holland Metal awarded soldiers in thanks for their contribution. “I hope the veterans will be touched,” she said.





The Heroes

I wave goodbye, hiding my feat the he will not return.

He gives me a smile and I know I must hide that fear and find my hope.

I am facing the enemy. I hate to shoot, but I know I must because each shot is a step closer to home.

As the battle slows I look around me and I cry fro my long good friends and

hope that the injured will be alright.

I help my silent friends move the dead and wounded.

I remember that they are still here and all is not lost.

I stand in the door of the hospital watching the nurses and

hoping they can save them all.

I write to my family knowing that they would want to know I am still here.

Tears gently trickle down my cheek as we bury the dead in the middle of the night.

The last shot rang through the air. The enemy is retreating, the war is won.

I cannot help myself, I whoop in delight.

I am given a painful job as I go slowly down the street to deliver the letter.

I see countless families in the windows fearing the worst.

AS I stand in front of the crowd I don not hear their applause; I am back in battle.

When I come back to the present I can't help but feel that I should not be honored but those who have fallen should be.

I hope that we will be remembered by students and teachers and people everywhere and that all soldiers, past, present and future will be remembered.

By Bre Rogers