A history teacher from Portage has realized the importance in remembering the sacrifices made by soldiers during the World Wars. 

Larry Smith returned from Europe last week after being chosen by the Historica Foundation to tour World War sites. 

 

He was one of only 14 teachers from the country, and was the lone Manitoba selection. 

 

Smith's visit to Passchendaele in Belgium sticks out.  400 people watched as he laid a wreath on behalf of the thousands of soldiers without any known graves. 

 

The teachers were required to research an individual soldier prior to the trip and conduct a presentation.  The project was particularly special for Smith, having based the story on a relative who fought in the second World War. 

 

Smith says he now has greater appreciation and understanding for what soldiers went through.