Debbie Fung

Valour FC

Nothing exemplifies courage, honour, and heroism more than the story of three young Winnipeg men who lived on the same quaint street in the West End in the days leading up to World War I. The three neighbours enlisted together for the barbaric war. Only one came home. Yet, Corporal Leo Clarke,Sergeant-Major Frederick William Hall, and Lieutenant Robert Shankland would be connected for eternity through the highest military honour in the British Empire – The Victoria Cross – and their "human gallantry in the presence of the enemy." Their heroism led to the renaming of Pine Street to Valour Road in their honour in 1925. Theirs is a Canadian story that resonates from coast to coast, but is proudly owned by Winnipeg. This story of valour, of heart, of strength and fearlessness in the face of danger embodies the very traits that make Manitobans the beating heart of the nation. Winnipeg is more than just the geographical centre of North America, it is the very heart of our continent. The people here are tough, hard-working and honest, and they are among the most generous in the country. This is the common thread that runs through the veins of those who have called Manitoba home through thousands of years: courage and togetherness in the face of adversity. Clarke, Hall and Shankland's remarkable story of heroism occurred over 100 years ago, but their courage, honour and pride will never be forgotten. For Valour, for Winnipeg.