Michael R.

Haines Junction, Yukon

Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage Fair

Charles F. Ritchie

This project is based on my great-grandfather Charles F. Ritchie. He was in both WWI and WWII. He received the military cross from King George V and the distinguished service order (DSO). He had four kids and a wife. He died at age 71, in 1959.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I learned that after coming home with all the scars of war they had to act like nothing happened: house, job, family, etc.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

If it weren't for these great men who made a great sacrifice we would not be able to live the life we do. "It was for you and all that we hold dear to our heart that our boy made this great sacrifice like so many others," Charles F. Ritchie in a letter home telling his parents of his brother's death.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

So much harder, thousands being forced to go to war. All the resources used for war: Hersheys stopped making kisses because the foil was used for military purposes.