I cannot recall “honouring” anyone by accepting an invite; we were certain this one had not been extended due to our family’s singing at a fête the previous evening hosted by the person extending said invite. In fact, it is André Leboucher, patriarch of vacation homes (gÎtes) on his Normandy farm, who “honoured” us, the only Canadians among his 20-plus British, American and French invited guests. All of us had booked “chez les Lebouchers” for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings the previous day— 06/06/2004—commemorating the decisive invasion that breached Hitler’s Atlantic Wall 60 years prior. Observations were held along the 80-kilometre expanse of all five landing beaches: There were attendees by the thousands—veterans and families and masses of grateful French, most unborn on D-Day. We came to honour our three uncles who landed on Juno Beach, assigned to the Canadian Army.
The next day, the Leboucher family hosted a fête of their own for their guests. After canapés and flutes of champagne— the French do have style!—guests were commanded to sing for their fare; in turn, the national anthems of France, the U.S., and U.K. were sung, leaving our tiny family coterie to render our version of O Canada. Double-duty ensued as we were then compelled to warble it “en français,” too. I suppose we had become conspicuous for our lusty, if atonal, joining in for every anthem sung, the only ones to do so. Regardless, our two renditions got the loudest applause. Then soon after came André’s invite to his study the following afternoon. There, pouring generous doses of Calvados (on empty stomachs!), he related his meeting with his first “Canadien.”
This story is from the October/November 2020 edition of Our Canada.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October/November 2020 edition of Our Canada.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Day & Night
Clive Branson of Ottawa explains the fascinating psychological effect of seeing the same scene in daylight and then at night
BACK-ROAD ADVENTURES
Capturing the history and beauty of Quebec’s Eastern Townships in winter
A Very Merry Christmas
Waiting for the turkey to roast has never been so much fun!
BEAUTIFUL BERMUDA
This lovely island nation boasts friendly locals and incredible views
Room with a View
This window on the natural world brings a sense of peace and joy
Sled dog Salvation
Tracing the incredible journey of a musher from Edmonton who fled her abusive spouse with her dog team and made it all the way into Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Christmas on Display!
Unpacking and showcasing the family collection of Santas, snowfolk and village scenes is an annual labour of love
SOLITARY PURSUITS
Enjoying brisk winter days in the great outdoors
WILLIAM POPE: An Artist for the Ages
A tribute to Norfolk County’s Naturalist
The Intrepid OJIBWAY
The story of a man, and a community, who fostered a sense of pride and dignity for those to come