The Broncs World Tour has become world famous for the research that students have put into Ponoka soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars and much of their findings comes from the help of soldiers’ family members.
Last week three students, who studied the life of Frederick Keith Miller who died in the Second World War, were able to show their findings to Miller’s nieces. Students Matthew Klimec, Zane Fessler and Kellyn Pritchard were able to gain a better insight into Miller’s life with the help of nieces Hazel Jahour and Helen Rohl.
They provided additional, pertinent information to help the boys complete their history project on Miller.
The students’ biggest worry was ensuring they honoured Miller appropriately. Without help from niece Jahour, the project might not have been as special, explained Klimec.
Jahour was pleased with their efforts. “It’s probably information we would never find ourselves,” she stated.
Teacher and founder of the tour, Ron Labrie, suggested connecting with family members is one of the more important aspects of the project.
“It’s an affirmation that what we’re doing is right,” Labrie offered.
The first call came to Jahour who said she was just having an afternoon nap when she heard Klimec’s voice over the phone.
“She was some impressed and excited because she told me and phoned me,” added Rohl.
While Rohl did not know Miller as well as Jahour did, she said speaking with the students made his life more real.
The students had a hard time containing their excitement in presenting their findings to the nieces, who they feel helped paint a bigger picture of Miller’s life.
“It was just an experience of a lifetime,” said Pritchard.
Despite some nervousness that he would not do a good job, Zane found he had a better understanding of past world wars as well.
“My perspective on the war changed…I was more aware of the magnitude of the war,” explained Zane.
The students presented their final essay, pictures and videos of the trip and a grave rubbing of Miller’s headstone to the nieces.