Sir: In response to (national) articles written about J.R., John Robert Gallagher killed last Wednesday by an ISIS suicide bomber, we quote Jim Costello. Mr. Costello, director of education for the Lambton Kent District School Board, was principal at Tilbury District High School when Gallagher attended there.
We quote two comments by Costello: “He (J.R.) always demonstrated a concern for fairness and fair treatment for all in the school.”
Again, Costello understood: “It’s exemplary of his character that he died while trying to promote fairness and justice for all in the world.”
Recently, we attended graduation ceremonies for our granddaughter at TDHS. The we being her sibling, parents and grandparents who had also attended TDHS.
In watching, we felt pride in the school and our community. Graduates honoured included exemplary fairness of nations, faiths and abilities. On stage walked Black, Native, Mennonite, Sikh and a Small Person side by side with those of us whose ancestors came to Canada generations ago. Tilbury is a Mosaic of Peace.
Like Gallagher, we too had a son Jon, who went directly from TDHS graduation to enlist as a soldier. His words to his mother before leaving for his first of three tours of duty in Afghanistan were the same as Gallagher to his mother Valerie Carder. His concern was the unfair treatment of children and women.
He also had the assuring words spoken by Gallagher: “Mom, I intend to come back”. Yes, assuring words are nice. Yet, his final words gave blessed assurance; “but if I don’t, just know that we will spend eternity together”.
Perspective brings peace. Our John came back and is now retired.
Jim & Doreen Stonehouse
Tilbury
