Remembrance Day holds a special place in all of our hearts, so it is very fitting that Canada Post recently released a commemorative stamp featuring the Farmerettes, the Canadian women who took over the responsibilities of farmers when the men headed off to war.
In his official statement to the Senate of Canada on October 31, 2024, The Honorable Robert Black said, “Honorable senators, I rise today to draw attention to an important yet often overlooked part of Canadian history: the Farmerettes. In a time of great need, these young women from Ontario stepped up to help keep our country going during the two World Wars by working on farms. And today I am pleased to inform you that on October 28th Canada Post unveiled a special stamp honoring the Farmerettes and their contribution during the two World Wars.”
Author, photographer and Harrowsmith contributor Bonnie Sitter has been championing the Farmerettes story for years, and has become an historian of sorts on all of these amazing womens’ achievements. Her book, Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes, co-written by Shirleyan English, was published in 2019 and many give her credit for the recent gesture from our national postal service. “Parents, teachers and farmers all doubted that teenage girls would be able to do farm labour,” she says. “The Farmerettes proved the doubters wrong. I couldn’t be more pleased that I have been successful in having a stamp issued to honour and recognize the Farmerettes’ service.”
We encourage you to read Bonnie’s article, “Let’s Celebrate the Farmerettes,” originally published in the Spring 2021 issue of Harrowsmith magazine, and take a moment to be reminded of all of the men, women and children who fought – and continue to fight – for this great country of ours. #LestWeForget
