Barrie Legion Honours Bethany Wu
Congratulations to Bethany Wu ‘29 for placing second in the Royal Legion's National Youth Remembrance Contest for her French literary essay, “La Promesse” (The Promise). She was recognized at a ceremony at her local Barrie Legion on Tuesday.
According to Bethany, her literary essay is “about a young veteran writing a letter to his family on the night before leaving for a long military deployment. It explores his deep love for his wife and three-month-old daughter. It is also about his struggle between his fear of not returning and his sense of duty to protect his country. In brief, it highlights the sacrifice, courage, and quiet heartbreak of leaving loved ones behind to serve.”
According to Bethany, her literary essay is “about a young veteran writing a letter to his family on the night before leaving for a long military deployment. It explores his deep love for his wife and three-month-old daughter. It is also about his struggle between his fear of not returning and his sense of duty to protect his country. In brief, it highlights the sacrifice, courage, and quiet heartbreak of leaving loved ones behind to serve.”
The Promise - By Bethany Wu (English Version)
On a serene evening, Pierre sat alone in the tent outside his home with a small candle flickering beside him. He took up his pen and began writing about his unspoken emotions. He gazed at the stars across the sky as if a tiny light of hope sprinkled upon his weary soul. In three hours’ time, he would have to leave for nine long months; far from home and from the arms of those he loves.
His letter began:
“Dear family, when you read this letter, I hope you can feel the love I have placed between each line. I have tried to say these things in person, but sometimes it is hard to speak when my heart feels heavy. Tonight, I want to write down these unspoken words before I march again.”
Suddenly, tears streamed down his face like an unstoppable river. The thought of leaving his wife and their daughter tore his heart, yet he kept writing:
“No matter how far I go, remember that we are always under the same sky. Please remind Michaela that Daddy loves her deeply! She is only three months old. I know I will miss many of her ‘firsts’ — her first word, her first step... This thought hurts in ways I cannot describe. However, I remind myself that what I am doing is for her, so she can grow up in a country that is safe and free.”
Every word he wrote carried a deep father’s love and a soldier’s courage; within each line lingered the quiet ache of leaving his daughter behind. As he continued on, his thoughts drifted to the woman who had always been his true support. Tears fell even more, but he took a deep breath and pressed on:
“To my wife, I know by the time you read this, I have already left to serve our country. Please know that I could never do this without you. Thank you for your support through the years! You have given me everything — love, strength, and the belief that some things are worth standing up for. I know we both try to hide away our tears. Also, though you never say some words aloud, I know what they mean: ‘Come home safe.’ And I promise, I will.”
The wind blew softly, making the candle’s flame dance. A thought crossed his mind: What if I never return? He tried to push the fear away and kept writing.
“If I should fall, don't weep! Remember me with pride. When you see the Canadian flag wave in the wind, think of me and smile. If you miss me, look to the stars; I am shining above you.”
When he finished, he folded his letter carefully, like a treasure, and placed it on his wife’s dressing table.
That night, Pierre stepped into the unknown; not only for his country, but carrying the weight of love and the unwavering belief that he would come back and hold his family close again.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
