Top Ten Greatest Canadian
- Thread starter Armymedic
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brin11 said:I think it's a toss up between Bob or Doug. I think I'd have to go for Doug, though.
Take off, eh!!??
Tommy Douglas? Didn't he host "Country Jamboree" on CBC ... ?
(oh - you meant the OTHER Tommy Douglas ...)
Sorry - in order to register my protest vote and drive the left-leaning, pinko executives at the CBC insane, I've got to endorse Don Cherry (aso as a vote for "the working man" as the Greatest Canadian).
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/News/2004/10/25/pf-683882.html
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Toronto/Joe_Warmington/2004/10/20/676851.html
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No one beats Terry Fox, i dont care if he didnt invent the phone or start the country, hes my hero!!! 
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many people on that list beat out Terry Fox. He's a great guy, but not in the top ten. No one in the sports fields should be in the top ten either. For me you have do something historical, something that changed the course of Canada and made it a better.
L
lfejoel25
Guest
i'm just glad that neil young and stompin tom beat out avril lavigne and celine dion.
(no offence oprah)
(no offence oprah)
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Oh, my. Tommy, may have discovered health care, but in my eyes he was still an NDP. And it will be a cold day in hell before i vote for anything affiliated with that party, as for the greatest canadain, its Frederik Banting ( 2/3 of my family is diabetic)
Michael Dorosh
Army.ca Veteran
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No offence, but this entire conversation has no frame of reference and is more than a little silly. Without a definition of what "greatest" means, there is nothing left to do but sling mud at one another's heros.
Avril Lavigne? She makes as much sense as anyone else on the list, since it was a popularity contest from the start. No one had to present any kind of reasoned thinking for their choice and unless I miss my guess, the final ten were chosen based solely on number of votes. Oh, we were required to write a paragraph with our nominations, but I have to believe this was only to stop multiple voting and had no part in the selection process.
If someone wants to actually provide a contextual framework for the conversation, go ahead - but since the contest itself lacked same, it is still only a popularity contest.
That being true, who really cares how many people "like" Terry Fox, or have never heard of Lavigne?
The entire context is a cheap stunt by CBC to boost ratings and make money from their advertisers. A true measure of "greatness" would have at least broken the contest down into well-defined areas of endeavor. I'd be more interested in seeing unrewarded volunteers get some credit and national exposure for making a difference in their community, as opposed to millionaire hockey players who got paid tons of money to do what they loved, or semi-talented starlets and divas who similarly get paid tons of money. You would think money and fame would be more than enough recompense, they probably don't need some half-assed popularity contest on national TV to further affirm themselves.
Avril Lavigne? She makes as much sense as anyone else on the list, since it was a popularity contest from the start. No one had to present any kind of reasoned thinking for their choice and unless I miss my guess, the final ten were chosen based solely on number of votes. Oh, we were required to write a paragraph with our nominations, but I have to believe this was only to stop multiple voting and had no part in the selection process.
If someone wants to actually provide a contextual framework for the conversation, go ahead - but since the contest itself lacked same, it is still only a popularity contest.
That being true, who really cares how many people "like" Terry Fox, or have never heard of Lavigne?
The entire context is a cheap stunt by CBC to boost ratings and make money from their advertisers. A true measure of "greatness" would have at least broken the contest down into well-defined areas of endeavor. I'd be more interested in seeing unrewarded volunteers get some credit and national exposure for making a difference in their community, as opposed to millionaire hockey players who got paid tons of money to do what they loved, or semi-talented starlets and divas who similarly get paid tons of money. You would think money and fame would be more than enough recompense, they probably don't need some half-assed popularity contest on national TV to further affirm themselves.
S
Storm
Guest
I'd say of the "top" ten, I'd have to go with Terry Fox as well. He had courage, determination, and spirit. Faced with a tragedy he didn't back down or give up, but set a goal and fought his way thorough the pain of not only a marathon a day, but also the additional physical and emotional pain of his condition. What he accomplished he did with sheer force of will against overwhelming obstacles. If anyone says that isn't great then not one person in the history of the human race has ever been great, nor will anyone ever be.
To all those who voted for the unknown soldier: 
Very few people on that list can be described as anything other than accomplished, successful, or just plain lucky (some in truly influential fields, others in trivial ones). Only a handful, two of which I've already mentioned, are actually "great" IMHO.
To all those who voted for the unknown soldier:
Very few people on that list can be described as anything other than accomplished, successful, or just plain lucky (some in truly influential fields, others in trivial ones). Only a handful, two of which I've already mentioned, are actually "great" IMHO.
F
Figure11
Guest
I might be jumping into the thread a bit late but has anyone considered Sam Steele?
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Ther are many real great Canucks out there, both present and past, but how about Winnipeg born Pilot Officer Andy Mynarski (late of the RCAF)? For those who do not know of this gallant Canadian, go to www.google.com and do a search. Click on the first title on top of the page, and read on!
Its about love for a friend, and true sacrifice, and this is a story which needs to be told, and passed on to the next generation, however, I am sure many of you know of him already.
Cheers,
Wes
Pilot Officer Andy Mynarski (late of the RCAF)? For those who do not know of this gallant Canadian, go to www.google.com and do a search. Click on the first title on top of the page, and read on!Its about love for a friend, and true sacrifice, and this is a story which needs to be told, and passed on to the next generation, however, I am sure many of you know of him already.
Cheers,
Wes
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Thank you Wes for introducing me to Andy Mynarski. I had never heard of him until today.
The maple leaf will shine a little brighter now. Thanks again.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the VICTORIA CROSS on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery: - Pilot Officer Andrew Charles Mynarski (Can./J.87544) (deceased), Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 419 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron.
Pilot Officer Mynarski was the mid-upper gunner of a Lancaster aircraft, detailed to attack a target at Cambrai in France, on the night of 12th June, 1944. The aircraft was attacked from below and astern by an enemy fighter and ultimately came down in flames.
As an immediate result of the attack, both port engines failed. Fire broke out between the mid-upper turret and the rear turret, as well as in the port wing. The flames soon became fierce and the captain ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft.
Pilot Officer Mynarski left his turret and went towards the escape hatch. He then saw that the rear gunner was still in his turret and apparently unable to leave it. The turret was, in fact, immovable, since the hydraulic gear had been put out of action when the port engines failed, and the manual gear had been broken by the gunner in his attempts to escape.
Without hesitation, Pilot Officer Mynarski made his way through the flames in an endeavour to reach the rear turret and release
the gunner. Whilst so doing, his parachute and his clothing up to the waist were set on fire. All his efforts to move the turret and free the rear gunner were in vain. Eventually the rear gunner clearly indicated to him that there was nothing more he could do and that he should try to save his own life. Pilot Officer Mynarski reluctantly went back through the flames to the escape hatch. There, as a last gesture to the trapped gunner, he turned towards him, stood to attention in his flaming clothing, and saluted, before he jumped out of the aircraft. Pilot Officer Mynarski's descent was seen by French people on the ground. Both his parachute and his clothing were on fire. He was found eventually by the French, but was so severely burnt that he died from his injuries.
The rear gunner had a miraculous escape when the aircraft crashed. He subsequently testified that had Pilot Officer Mynarski not attempted to save his comrade's life, he could have left the aircraft in safety and would, doubtless, have escaped death.
Pilot Officer Mynarski must have been fully aware that in trying to free the rear gunner he was almost certain to lose his own life. Despite this, with outstanding courage and complete disregard for his own safety, he went to the rescue. Willingly accepting the danger, Pilot Officer Mynarski lost his life by a most conspicuous act of heroism which called for valour of the highest order
The maple leaf will shine a little brighter now. Thanks again.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the VICTORIA CROSS on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery: - Pilot Officer Andrew Charles Mynarski (Can./J.87544) (deceased), Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 419 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron.
Pilot Officer Mynarski was the mid-upper gunner of a Lancaster aircraft, detailed to attack a target at Cambrai in France, on the night of 12th June, 1944. The aircraft was attacked from below and astern by an enemy fighter and ultimately came down in flames.
As an immediate result of the attack, both port engines failed. Fire broke out between the mid-upper turret and the rear turret, as well as in the port wing. The flames soon became fierce and the captain ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft.
Pilot Officer Mynarski left his turret and went towards the escape hatch. He then saw that the rear gunner was still in his turret and apparently unable to leave it. The turret was, in fact, immovable, since the hydraulic gear had been put out of action when the port engines failed, and the manual gear had been broken by the gunner in his attempts to escape.
Without hesitation, Pilot Officer Mynarski made his way through the flames in an endeavour to reach the rear turret and release
the gunner. Whilst so doing, his parachute and his clothing up to the waist were set on fire. All his efforts to move the turret and free the rear gunner were in vain. Eventually the rear gunner clearly indicated to him that there was nothing more he could do and that he should try to save his own life. Pilot Officer Mynarski reluctantly went back through the flames to the escape hatch. There, as a last gesture to the trapped gunner, he turned towards him, stood to attention in his flaming clothing, and saluted, before he jumped out of the aircraft. Pilot Officer Mynarski's descent was seen by French people on the ground. Both his parachute and his clothing were on fire. He was found eventually by the French, but was so severely burnt that he died from his injuries.
The rear gunner had a miraculous escape when the aircraft crashed. He subsequently testified that had Pilot Officer Mynarski not attempted to save his comrade's life, he could have left the aircraft in safety and would, doubtless, have escaped death.
Pilot Officer Mynarski must have been fully aware that in trying to free the rear gunner he was almost certain to lose his own life. Despite this, with outstanding courage and complete disregard for his own safety, he went to the rescue. Willingly accepting the danger, Pilot Officer Mynarski lost his life by a most conspicuous act of heroism which called for valour of the highest order
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Quite a story isn't it. BTW, Pat Brophy's statement after the fact, is the only statement ever in history to have aided a VC won with only one man's word.
Pat had said in an interview after the war, that when he took off his wool lined pilots hat after he survived the crash of the Lanc, all his hair came off with it, and he was bald for the rest of his life!
Tha 'call sign VR-A' Lanc bomber (in Mynarski's memory) now is the only flying Lanc in Canada, and is/was based out of Ontario. I had seen it in 1989 in Regina when it flew accross the country.
Indeed, a war story which needed to be told.
Cheers from a humid warm spring night here in Sydney,
Wes
Pat had said in an interview after the war, that when he took off his wool lined pilots hat after he survived the crash of the Lanc, all his hair came off with it, and he was bald for the rest of his life!
Tha 'call sign VR-A' Lanc bomber (in Mynarski's memory) now is the only flying Lanc in Canada, and is/was based out of Ontario. I had seen it in 1989 in Regina when it flew accross the country.
Indeed, a war story which needed to be told.
Cheers from a humid warm spring night here in Sydney,
Wes
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Well, not exactly. His party was actually the CCF, a Sask only party that was the roots of the present day NDP. Tom D didn't run for the federal party either.
If anyone is not going to vote for someone who was NDP, then I guess P.E. Trudeau won't get many votes. What party did Lester Pearson poach Trudeau from?
IMHO, it will come down to Douglas, Trudeau, and Pearson. Seeing how the later two developed the ideas to improve our country first proposed by the former.....
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Here's another VC winner that I personally think was an outstanding individual. Notice the date of death, a few months after being awarded the VC, the story is that he died of influenza due to his weakened immune system. Here's the story from the VAC website.
Cheers,
In memory of
Lieutenant ALAN ARNETT MCLEOD
who died on June 11, 1918.
Military Service:
Age: 19
Force: Air Force
Regiment: Royal Air Force
Citation:
An extract from "The London Gazette,' dated May 1, 1918, records the following:
Whilst flying with his observer (Lt. A. W. Hammond, M.C.), attacking hostile formations by bombs and machine-gun fire, he was assailed at a height of 5,000 feet by eight enemy triplanes, which dived at him from all directions, firing from their front guns. By skilful manoeuvring he enabled his observer to fire bursts at each machine in turn, shooting three of them down out of control. By this time Lt. McLeod had received five wounds, and whilst continuing the engagement a bullet penetrated his petrol tank and set the machine on fire. He then climbed out on to the left bottom plane, controlling his machine from the side of the fuselage, and by side-slipping steeply kept the flames to one side, thus enabling the observer to continue firing until the ground was reached. The observer had been wounded six times when the machine crashed in "No Man's Land," and 2nd Lt. McLeod, not withstanding his own wounds, dragged him away from the burning wreckage at great personal risk from heavy machine-gun fire from the enemy's lines. This very gallant pilot was again wounded by a bomb whilst engaged in this act of rescue, but he persevered until he had placed Lt. Hammond in comparative safety, before falling himself from exhaustion and loss of blood.
Cheers,
In memory of
Lieutenant ALAN ARNETT MCLEOD
who died on June 11, 1918.
Military Service:
Age: 19
Force: Air Force
Regiment: Royal Air Force
Citation:
An extract from "The London Gazette,' dated May 1, 1918, records the following:
Whilst flying with his observer (Lt. A. W. Hammond, M.C.), attacking hostile formations by bombs and machine-gun fire, he was assailed at a height of 5,000 feet by eight enemy triplanes, which dived at him from all directions, firing from their front guns. By skilful manoeuvring he enabled his observer to fire bursts at each machine in turn, shooting three of them down out of control. By this time Lt. McLeod had received five wounds, and whilst continuing the engagement a bullet penetrated his petrol tank and set the machine on fire. He then climbed out on to the left bottom plane, controlling his machine from the side of the fuselage, and by side-slipping steeply kept the flames to one side, thus enabling the observer to continue firing until the ground was reached. The observer had been wounded six times when the machine crashed in "No Man's Land," and 2nd Lt. McLeod, not withstanding his own wounds, dragged him away from the burning wreckage at great personal risk from heavy machine-gun fire from the enemy's lines. This very gallant pilot was again wounded by a bomb whilst engaged in this act of rescue, but he persevered until he had placed Lt. Hammond in comparative safety, before falling himself from exhaustion and loss of blood.
Michael Dorosh
Army.ca Veteran
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Burrows said:
You're already on staff, kid, so stop sucking up. ;D
Congrats on the "promotion" by the way. Well deserved.
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