The family of Rifleman Joe Poucette who was killed in action during the Second World War, would like to express their immense gratitude to the family who paid for our family's meal.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the war's end and 75 years since my uncle died in service to this country. The Elders of the Poucette family, Evelyn House, Tina Fox (Poucette), and Virginia House, together with their families, attended the Remembrance Day service in Cochrane where Poucette is honoured each year. Evelyn House and Tina Fox had the privilege of knowing their uncle Joe.
After the service, the family met at the Smitty's restaurant to have dinner in his honour. We were fortunate to discover that a non-Indigenous family had picked up the tab of our entire family. This was an act of kindness that will not be forgotten.
Poucette would not have received a plot of land had he returned. Indigenous veterans have had to fight for rights afforded to non-Indigenous veterans. We are grateful that Indigenous veterans are now getting the recognition they deserve.
We are also grateful to this family who reminded us that kindness is universal. Îsniyes (thank you) to that family for making our day more memorable. They did not leave their names but we wanted to express our sincere gratitude for this act of kindness. Their kindness will be passed forward.
- Tina Fox (Poucette)
