WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

On June 6, members of the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and the Métis National Council (MNC) gathered with leaders from around the world to mark the 75th anniversary of D-day at Juno Beach in Normandy, France.

Following the ceremonies at Normandy, David Chartrand, MMF President and the Metis Nation’s Minister Responsible for Veterans, made his way to London, England, to personally honour Métis veteran Paul Delorme.

Delorme, who hails from the Franco-saskatchewan community, le for Europe to fight during the Second World War and fought in several legendary ba les, including Dieppe.

When he met Paul Delorme in London, David Chartrand personally presented him with a cheque for $20,000. “While this cheque cannot erase the horrific memories of war, it will hopefully reassure Mr. Delorme that the country he risked his life for is truly grateful for his courage,” says the MMF President. Delorme’s story is like those of thousands of other Métis veterans who volunteered and fought for Canada in campaigns around the world. Says Chartrand: “As part of their service, Métis solders were promised that on their return from the horrors of war, they would have access to funds and services to help them make a fresh start and rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.”

Today, Métis veterans are finally ge ing some recognition. The federal government recently commi ed $30 million to properly commemorate Métis veterans. It is also working on an official apology to Métis veterans and their families.

“I have spent the be er part of the last two decades lobbying for compensation for Métis veterans and their

families,” says David Chartrand. “On this day of reflection, I am more motivated than ever to move forward and ensure that the sacrifice and bravery of Métis soldiers are not forgo en.” Chartrand was not the only MMF minister on the beaches of Normandy in June. Will Goodon was also there to honour his uncle, Frank Godon Sr., who was part of the D-day raid on Juno Beach. Emotions ran high during the celebrations.

“Frank Godon Jr., his son and my cousin, came with me to Normandy. It was very important for us, and even more so for my cousin, to a end the 75th anniversary ceremonies. He even donated my uncle’s full uniform to the Juno Beach Centre.”

Will Goodon willingly shares some of the family’s memories: “My uncle Frank Sr. was part of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. He tried to enlist many times, but he was too young. He persisted and kept going back until the Royal Canadian Air Force accepted him.” Frank Godon Sr. was one of the 14,000 Canadian soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy against the Nazi forces on June 6, 1944. He was only 17 years old. And he was one of the few soldiers to survive the rifle and mortar fire.

“A er surviving the raid, my uncle was taken prisoner,” says Will Goodon. “He was kept in forced labour concentration camps for the remainder of the war, where he experienced horrible things. He ultimately returned to Canada, but I don’t know everything that happened there because he didn’t talk about it much.” Frank Godon Sr. agreed to return to the beaches of Normandy a decade ago. His nephew, Will Goodon, went with him. It was an emotional time. “Reliving what happened on the beach, even if the landscape has changed, was very hard for my uncle. When you think about it, he was just a kid. But he needed to go back to put that part of his life behind him. The trip also helped him understand that he was part of one of the most important days of the 20th century. He would have really liked to a end the 75th anniversary celebrations and be recognized.”

Sadly, Frank Godon Sr. passed away in January 2019, at the age of 94. While he could not be there for the gathering on the beaches of Normandy, he will not be forgo en. His uniform is now on display at the Juno Beach Centre, so his memory will continue to be honoured at this Canadian museum for a very long time.

Will Goodon recognizes this: “For years, we have been insisting vociferously: How can we forget them? How can we claim we want t honour the Métis Nation when our veteran have been forgo en? It has taken far too long t change, but progress has been made. I think i heartening to see this new relationship wi Canada. We can finally feel honoured to ha played a critical role in protecting our country