“Oh wow,” she said as she moved closer to the board.
“I’m afraid I don’t have much knowledge on the First World War. I’ve read lots on the second war, but not the first, that’s why I’m here today.”
On Sunday, Arsenault and a few others attended a talk about the Great War and the Island’s connection hosted by the Eptek Art and Culture Centre in Summerside.
“When I was reading about the World War Two I was missing that link between it and the first war. I’m sure today I’ll get the answers. I’ve only touched the edges of history; I’m trying to learn more.
At the talk, Boyde Beck, the curator of history at the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation, and Greg Gallant, curator of the P.E.I. Regiment Museum, shared how the First World War changed the game as well as P.E.I.’s involvement.
“There is a myth that we had 4,000 enlistments from the Island, when in reality, we had around 7,000,” said Gallant.
“We had the largest amount of enlistments in Canada, Islanders really answered the call when we were needed.”
For Gallant, preserving the Island’s military history is important.
“We need to remember our veterans and we need to remember P.E.I.’s role in the military.
“As a kid I remember hearing about America’s role in various wars, but not Canada, and definitely not P.E.I.’s. So now I’ve made it my job to stand up, share and recognize our efforts.”
Gallant started the P.E.I. Regiment Museum in 1990.
“W average around 4,000 visitors a year. It’s important that we keep moving forward and growing.
“At the museum we have items from the late 1800’s and then all the way to our recent involvement in Afghanistan.”
With Canada’s 150th birthday this year, there is another important anniversary to recognize, said Gallant.
“We’re about to reach the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and it’s so important that we recognize that milestone.
“That battle was the fight that really brought all of the Canadians together. It was clearly our time to change the tides of war.
“Before our fight for the ridge, there were multiple attempts to take the ridge but no one could. But there we were and you know what, it’s one thing to have one the battle and taken the ridge, but we kept control over it too,” Gallant said with a smile.
“I’m really happy to see more kids on the Island doing projects on our boys now, not someone without Island roots.
“It’s important that we remember them for ourselves. That we honour them and learn about what they did for us.”
