Centennial’s Ted Barris receives rare commendation from the Minister of Veterans Affairs

On July 27, 2011, Centennial College professor Ted Barris received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. “The Commendation is awarded annually to individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.” The commendation is traditionally awarded to Veterans and is rarely awarded to civilians.

An author, journalist, broadcaster and speaker, Barris has dedicated many years to sharing the stories of Veterans and of Canada’s military history. When Barris was in school, Canada’s war history was not taught like it is today. Inspired by his father, a veteran, Barris’ philosophy about writing is, “If there’s a story that’s not been told, tell it.”

Over the years Barris has written the voices of Veterans into his work and has shared the history through many speaking engagements. Barris estimates he has interviewed 4,000 veterans over his career. “Each veteran invited me into their memories to share with the country their experiences, good or bad. Without their stories, none of what I do is possible,” said Barris. Even when their name isn’t listed in Barris’ books, they know they contributed. “When a vet comes up to me, the greatest compliment is when he or she says “my name isn’t in your book, but my story is.””

Receiving the commendation came as a surprise to Barris. For over eight years he has been leading travel tours of battlefields in Europe, sharing his knowledge of Canada’s history. He was on a tour in Germany when he received the news. The honour carries great weight for Barris as he was nominated and selected by veterans, “It was both powerful and humbling,” he said.

Barris brought his stories and passion with him when he joined Centennial College in 1999. Since that time, Barris has raised the profile of Remembrance Day at the college and has led Centennial’s Remembrance Day ceremonies. Barris organizes a full observance including a colour guard from the legion and a bugler playing the last post. Veterans come to the ceremony and speak, share their stories, or do live interviews. Through Barris’ efforts students get real insight into the meaning of Remembrance Day.

Ted Barris teaches Copy Editing in the Corporate Communications & Public Relations post-graduate program.

By Will Pennell, CC&PR Student, Class of 2012