Chloe Flin Flon, Manitoba

Fair address: Red River Heritage Fair

Project: The Boer War

My project is about The Boer War from 1899-1902 in South Africa. Canadians played an important role in this Anglo-Boer war.  It also tells how my great-great-grandfather participated in this war.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I learned was that John McCrae, the poet, fought in the same war as my great-great-grandfather. I was also surprised that my great-great-grandfather had tea with the Queen of England for fighting in the war.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I feel it is important to learn all you can about your family history to better understand where you come from. Learning about the past helps to understand how and why society has changed.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

A major difference in life now is technology. A telegraph operator, which was my great-great-grandfather's role in the war, would no longer be required. Also the diseases and sicknesses that took so many lives in this war would be prevented with our medicine and vaccinations.