As she laid a wreath on November 11, at the local Remembrance Day Ceremony, Zoe Gottwald, 9, of Chestermere, passed on a special legacy from The War Amps. Zoe, a left leg amputee, is proud to be part of Operation Legacy, in which members of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program help pass on the Remembrance message to the younger generation.
At the tender age of 4, Zoe lost her leg to a horrific lawn mower accident. After spending months in the Sick Kids hospital in Toronto, the family were put in contact with the War Amps program which helped facilitate Zoe receiving her artificial leg.
Although Operation Legacy members have not experienced war themselves, they know what it is like to live without a limb – a bond they share with war amputee veterans. They will continue The War Amps tradition of “amputees helping amputees,” and carry on the Remembrance message long into the future.
The goals of Operation Legacy are to:
• Pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and our veterans, and to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten
• Educate Canada’s present and future generations about the realities of war, with the hope of preventing future wars, understanding that a military deterrent may be necessary
• Ensure an accurate and unbiased account of Canada’s military heritage
• Foster a message of hope for the future
• Preserve The War Amps, its programs for amputees, and its commitment to protect Canada’s military heritage well into the future
Child amputees are honoured to participate in Operation Legacy events and national remembrance initiatives. There are many ways these members help pass the message of remembrance to the younger generation:
• Wreath layings on Remembrance Day and at commemorative ceremonies throughout the year
• Presentations and displays for schools, community groups and local events
• Letters to the editor which inform the public about important military heritage anniversaries
• Library donations of documentaries from The War Amps Military Heritage Series
• Candlelight ceremonies and other special events
Along with Zoe’s work as a member of Operation Legacy, Zoe is also the national ambassador for the Playsafe initiative. She was back in 2012 and was chosen again this year. She has done a variety of PSA’s one that is airing now for lawnmower safety. She has also spoken at her entire school in Ontario and last year to all the grade 3’s at East Lake about the importance of playing safe etc. She has been in the Stampede parade for the last 2 years in the War Amps Playsafe float.
The remarkable courage and strength that Zoe shows is unbelievable. She is a very determined little girl who hasn’t let what happened to her stand in her way. Our community is so proud to have this amazing little girl among us! Great job Zoe!!
