The Fighting Newfoundlanders

Canada Free Press ^ | Thursday, June 23, 2005 | Myles Higgins

[Alexander Rubin]

2005 is the year of the Veteran. With this in mind, I thought I’d take a moment to talk about the treatment of these brave men and women in our culture today. As mentioned in a previous article--Are Legion Members Getting a Fair Deal — from May 31st of this year, I believe our Veterans are getting a raw deal in this country and even in our own province.

As of July 1, they will no longer be allowed to light up a cigarette in their own Legion halls. As they age, they are often forgotten in senior's homes and, as they have always had to do, they continue to fight tooth and nail for every cent of support they can squeeze out of Ottawa. Add to this the fact that our youth know little or nothing of their exploits and you will appreciate the sad situation they are in.

...

In an effort to help bring to light some of the true heroism demonstrated by the "Fighting Newfoundlanders", I’d like to tell you the story of one of them in particular. His name is Cyril Gardner, originally from British Harbour. Lieutenant Gardner has the distinction of being the only known allied serviceman to receive the German Iron Cross during WWI.

The Iron Cross was handed out to only the bravest German military personnel and even though Lieutenant Gardner was not in the German forces he was given this honor on the battlefield.

It might appear at this point that perhaps the Lieutenant was a traitor or a spy for the Germans. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Gardner was a true hero who performed his duties so well that he not only served our country, he gained the respect of enemy forces as well.

[Alexander Rubin]

A proud part of Canadian history that now quickly becomes forgotten and a non issue as the last members of the lost generation die off, the greatest generation thins and the liberal and Liberal agenda makes no room for Canada's proud military history, or the achievements of its veterans. Pathetic. We should be lauding these men, recognizing them as the heroes they are.

Lt. Gardner's actions are the epitome of honor and virtue even amidst the chaos of war. He is, in fact, promoting peace and justice (in keeping with Canadian values, I should add) and yet how many people know of him?