COTE FIRST NATION — Three students from Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex are set to represent their school and community at the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. A special ceremony was held on Sept. 12 to honour the students before their departure.
The students, along with two chaperones, left on Friday, Sept. 13, to join a group of 32 international students from Canada, the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany. These students were invited by the YOUCEE Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the memory of the Second World War through education and youth engagement.
The event in the Netherlands will focus on the Battle of Arnhem, a key moment in the Allied liberation effort during the war. Janet Love-Morrison, a local author and teacher, spoke at the CGCEC’s celebration of its students, reflecting on the significance of this opportunity.
“This anniversary is about more than just remembering — it’s about using history as a starting point for discussions on war, peace, justice, and international collaboration. It’s a chance for young people to learn from the past and forge bonds of friendship and respect.”
Love-Morrison, who spent years researching her book The Hawk and the Hare, recounted the connections she made with Dutch volunteers and military officials during her travels in Europe. These connections led to the school’s invitation to the YOUCEE conference. She also shared stories of local veterans, including Private George Badger, William John Bryant, and Russel John Kitchemonia, whose sacrifices during the war were honoured by students.
"The YOUCEE Foundation's work is about keeping the lessons of war alive for future generations," Love-Morrison said. "We are incredibly proud of our students, not just for representing our school, but for representing Canada in this significant event."
The week-long event in the Netherlands will culminate in a commemoration ceremony attended by members of the British and Dutch royal families, which will be broadcast on national television.
