A Somber Anniversary
On the occasion of the 68th anniversary of a tragic event that shook the community of Saint-Jean-Vianney, Quebec, we reflect on the lives of 12 young children who were lost in a drowning incident on June 24, 1954.
The Devastating Event
The children, all between the ages of 7 and 12, were enjoying a day of fun at a local gravel pit when disaster struck. They had been playing in the water, unaware of its dangerous undercurrents. Suddenly, several of them were swept away by the strong current and disappeared beneath the waves.
Witnesses and Rescue Efforts
Witnesses to the tragedy watched in horror as the children struggled to stay afloat. Desperate rescue attempts were made, but the current proved too powerful, and 12 young lives were lost.
The Community’s Grief
The drowning of these children sent shockwaves through the community. Families and friends were devastated, and the entire town mourned. The tragedy was a profound loss for Saint-Jean-Vianney, a small community of just over 500 residents.
The Legacy of Loss
The 12 children who lost their lives in the 1954 drowning incident are remembered with sadness and reverence. Their names are inscribed on a monument near the site of the tragedy, a poignant reminder of the lives that were cut short on that fateful day.
Remembering the Victims
- Jacqueline Bergeron, age 7
- Céline Bergeron, age 9
- Carmen Bergeron, age 11
- Claudette Bergeron, age 8
- Alice Bolduc, age 7
- Suzanne Bolduc, age 7
- Réjeanne Lévesque, age 12
- Marcel Lévesque, age 10
- Réal Lévesque, age 7
- Raynald Plourde, age 10
- Robert Plourde, age 9
- Marjolaine Potvin, age 8
Lessons from the Tragedy
The 1954 drowning incident was a sobering reminder of the dangers of water and the importance of water safety. In the years since the tragedy, the community of Saint-Jean-Vianney has worked tirelessly to promote water safety awareness and prevent similar incidents from occurring.
A Day of Remembrance
Each year, on the anniversary of the tragedy, the community of Saint-Jean-Vianney gathers to remember the 12 children who were lost. A memorial service is held, and people share their stories and memories of the victims. It is a time of reflection, remembrance, and honoring the young lives that were taken too soon.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
