Introduction

Transcript

Sadly war has cast a shadow over mankind's existence since the dawn of human history.

Since time immemorial, people of all allegiances have waged war on countless battlefields. Men, women and children, military and civilians -- even the most peace loving -- have been subjected to this most brutal of experiences.

However, when death is imminent, it matters little whether the cause is noble or not, or whether you are a civilian or a military, a conscript or a volunteer.

What is La force francophone?

First and foremost, La force francophone evokes the strength of character that, in trying times, led a great number of French-speaking Canadians—men and women from all walks of life—to roll up their sleeves and join the fight for peace at home and overseas.

La force francophone is a means to honour these Francophones from across Canada by giving them the opportunity to tell their stories.

La force francophone shines light on some unknown pages of our history, making us see things as they were and truly understand them. The men and women you will meet in these video clips describe events as they experienced them, in their own words. Their stories are sometimes shocking, but they have earned the right to tell them through their sacrifices and heroic acts.

Above all, however, La force francophone is the embodiment of the men and women who went through the Second World War, on the frontline or elsewhere, and who willingly share their recollections of this important conflict before they are lost in the mists of time and war again rears its ugly head.

Simply put, the men and women you will meet— those who have witnessed so much, those who have loved, suffered, hoped and cried—lend us their eyes so we ourselves can see.