My Uncle Bob, An old sweat in the Great war.
A bombardier with a horse artillery battery, thrown into the gap left by the zouaves during the first gas attack at Wipers. He got a gong for his efforts, but rarely talked of it.
My Uncle Matti, killed at the age of 16 during the Talvisota against the Russians.
My father in law, Alf Conley, a surgeon with the RCMC, attached to the GGFG through the liberation of Europe.
Uncle Harry, a CPO, lifer with the RCN. Carrier service from beginning to end.
The cadets at Valcartier, 1974. I knew some of the survivors, and they were never the same again.
My cousin Eric, a lifer PO recently retired from the RCN. Spent 3 years bouncing around the Serbian countryside setting up Canadian outposts
I cannot name the thousands I have known, and respect, who have served their country unselfishly through both World Wars, Korea, peacekeeping and in peace. Time and space will not allow. All too many with a scar that never truly heals. Each one a hero in his own right.