Master Corporal (Ret’d) Joel Hedberg

Originally a means by which the Dutch infantry aimed to increase their long-distance marching and weight-carrying ability, the Nijmegen marches have evolved into an annual four day international event. Each year, they draw over 40,000 civilians from 84 countries in addition to 6,000 military participants who challenge their physical and mental endurance.

As part of the march, participants have an opportunity to visit various memorials, including the Canadian National Vimy Memorial near Arras in France. It’s here where Hedberg became inspired to track down his own family military history – one that dates back many generations, and covers a multitude of conflicts and battles that define Canada’s military history.

“When I stood at the Vimy Memorial, I was struck with this strange feeling of incredible déjà vu…”

“When I stood at the Vimy Memorial, I was struck with this strange feeling of incredible déjà vu, and it just so turns out that my Great Uncle Alexander Boswell Stafford served as a Major and participated in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.” This sudden discovery sparked a passion for Hedberg. He wanted to learn more about those in his family who had served and sacrificed for Canada.

Through the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, Hedberg discovered that Boswell Stafford enlisted in Lethbridge, Alberta on 1 December 1915. Shortly thereafter, he was sent overseas. Following the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Boswell Stafford was killed during a German counter offensive on 24 June 1918. He was 40 years old.

This research led to another fascinating discovery. “It turns out Alexander was the son of William Stafford, who was a coal mining engineer that worked directly with Sir Alexander Galt.” Galt, a father of Canadian Confederation, hired William Stafford to accompany him to the West to assess coal mining possibilities. William Stafford’s advice carried great weight, and he was instrumental in the development of the region known today as Lethbridge.

Following the First World War, the tradition of service continued in Hedberg’s family. His grandfather Captain Norman Peat served in the Second World War, along with his two brothers Harold and George. The brothers served in various theatres during the Second World War, including across Western Europe and during the Battle of the Scheldt. Hedberg’s father also served, taking part in various operations during the Cold War.

“…and as we were going up the hill, a group of older ladies come out screaming, ‘Our Liberators, Our Liberators!’ ”

The sudden déjà vu Hedberg experienced while at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial has led him to discover unknown pieces of his family history. But there’s another moment during the Nijmegen March that Hedberg will always remember: the admiration shown by the locals to Canadians.

“We were at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, and as we were going up the hill, a group of older ladies come out screaming, ‘Our Liberators, Our Liberators!’ ”

And for Hedberg, seeing the esteem the local population held for his country and those who served, summarized what is most important to remember. “People want the world to be a better place for their children than it was for them.”

Joel Hedberg is featured as one of our Faces of Freedom. Discover more stories.