Pete Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Fair address: Prince Edward Island Provincial Fair

Project: Brothers in Arms: Honourable Canadians: The Pratts of Matapedia

My Great Great Gandparents Alexander and Bertha Pratt sent four of their sons off to fight in WW2.  Of those 4 sons only three returned.  The youngest of the four brothers, Porter Pratt, was killed in the Battle of Hong Kong at the young age of 17.  My project tells the story of four brothers including my Great Grandfather Pete Pratt who served as a Locomotive Engineer in WW2.

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

The most interesting thing I learned about my topic was the story behind Porter Pratt's enlistment. He was the youngest of the four brothers. He lied about his age in order to enlist with his brothers. He was initially listed as "Missing in Action" but later confirmed "Killed in Action" in the Battle of Hong Kong. He was just 17 years old.

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

The important lesson I have learned from my project is the price so many Canadian families have paid for our freedom. The Pratts were just an example of one of countless families who sent their sons and daughters off to war, some who never returned.

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

If I was to compare my life today to the lives of the four brothers in my project I would say my life is one of freedom. I live in a country where I have so many opportunities. I have the chance to grow up in a country where I can further my education and attend university/college. When I look back at my project and compare my life to that of the Pratt brothers I realize that at the same age Porter was when he was killed in Hong Kong I will be graduating from highschool.