Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Photo of CHARLES KOLESAR – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Saying Goodbye – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Photo of Charles Kolesar – Cecil Pittman travelled with the Royal Winnipeg Riffles Association when they participated in the 40th Anniversary of the D day tour to the Normandy beaches (Juno Beach) in 1984, the Royal Winnipeg Riffles "pilgrimage" tour in 1989, the year the memorial was unveiled in the little village of Audrieu and the Royal Winnipeg Riffles 50th Anniversary tour in 1994. He also attended the unveiling ceremonies of the Juno Beach Memorial located in Normandy, France in June of 2003. Mr. Pittman has researched information through the National Archives, military histories, former veterans and from any other materials he can locate. In 2002, he completed 104 stories for the Manitoba Geographical Names Program (Lakes, Rivers, Islands, etc are named after Manitoba's world War II and the Korean Conflict casualties) Several soldier's photo from his collection were included with these stories in the Map Branch's publication "A Place of Honour". (Notes taken from the Cecil Pittman's photo collection)

Biography

Cemetery – The Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, located 20 kilometres south of Caen, France. (J. Stephens)

Grave Marker – A photograph of the headstone at the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, located 20 kilometres south of Caen, France. May he rest in peace. (J. Stephens)