Jeunes Citoyens / Young Citizens

Sam Lower Onslow, Nova Scotia

Fair address: Chignecto-Central Regional Heritage Fair

Project: The Black Devil's Brigade

My project is about the Black Devils Brigade, an elite Canadian and American force created during WWII. My project consists of a  interview with a former member, information and a slideshow of pictures.

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

I thought it was cool how the Black Devils nickname came to be. They darkened there faces with shoe polish because most of the missions were at night. They were called Devils because no one saw them coming.

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

I have learned that you can be a very brave person and still have lots of fear. It is very important for Canadians to remember the many sacrifices made by our Canadian Military in order for us to live in the beautiful free country of Canada.

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

I live each day, not wondering if I will survive. I have all the comforts at home and company of my family and friends. The Brigade often went without food or shelter.

  • Les Owen

    Sam, I was lucky enough to travel with a group of F.S.S.F. family members as well as two F.S.S.F. members to Italy and France just a few weeks ago. We were celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Black Devils liberating Rome. We visited many sight where they fought. I suspect you will want to visit those places someday. I am making a documentary about the trip and I think you will enjoy it when it's done. I just wanted to mention I'm proud of your project and am so glad you got Herb Peppard to read his very special poem about his friend. That is a moment film makers dream of capturing and you did it!! I wept as he read it. Thank you for doing what film makers are supposed to do, tell a meaningful story. Congratulations and good luck. - Les Owen
    30-06-2014 7:16:44 PM

  • Thora

    I read the article in the Truro news and it was very interesting...your video was great !!
    30-06-2014 6:48:01 PM

  • Lorelei Hingley Colborne

    Awesome project! Well done!
    30-06-2014 1:14:09 PM

  • Tony Giacomelli

    Well done Sam. The Devil's Brigade also used to leave a calling card that said " Das dicke ende , Kommt noch ! " The worst is yet to come.
    30-06-2014 11:12:04 AM

  • Tom

    Excellent job on a report of the First special service force. My dad [Medric leblanc 2-3 hq fssf] would be proud that children and grandchildren will never forget who and what the black devils were about. Thanks.
    30-06-2014 9:24:57 AM

  • Mr & Mrs. Beacon

    Well done Sam, great job in keeping your great-grandfather's memory and that of the First Special Service Force alive.
    30-06-2014 7:55:12 AM

  • George

    Great job! So glad you made this, I am proud to say that my Great Uncle, Douglas Dickie was a member of the Brigade.
    30-06-2014 7:25:36 AM

  • Truxtun

    Very impressive. Love that you are honoring him this way. I have chills at the end. Well done!
    29-06-2014 9:50:07 AM

  • Melissa

    Great video. Good luck on the competition
    28-06-2014 10:35:35 AM

  • Jennifer

    Very well done
    28-06-2014 6:23:37 AM

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Project partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.
  • Canadian Heritage / Patrimoine Canadien
  • Government of Canada
  • HBC: Hudson's Bay Company
  • ecentricarts inc.