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KootenayFlamesFan · 11-11-2010, 01:29 AM

As others have stated, this time of year gets me more choked up more than any other. I tend to watch and read quite a bit about WWII, it is quite interesting, sad, and brutal.

My grandfather on my mother's side fought for the Canadian navy. He didn't talk a lot about his experiences, and when he did it was mainly about the other men he served with and stories that had a bit of humor to them. He passed away just a couple of months ago. When I was at his place/my grandmother's place for his funeral she set out a photo album that was all pictures and documents about that era. Lots of pictures that really put him in a different light............a very young, good-looking guy with lost of smiles, pictures of him and his fellow soldiers before they shipped off. And something that really stuck out to me was the original telegraph he received overseas telling him that his first child was born (a son), the date, the time, and that mother and son were both doing well. Also, the document that gave him the time and day to report for service was a bit chilling as well.

My grandfather on my dad's side is still alive. He was born and raised in Holland, and as a mechanic, he was forced into a German labor camp to fix airplanes during the war. Much like my other grandfather, he doesn't talk much about that time. And when he does, it is just funny/interesting stories. One example is the time he and my uncle (still alive as well) stole a very expensive German car and buried it underground, expecting to retrieve it soon later, only later to find it quite useless due to the length of time it took to get back to it after it was safe to do so, along with the amount of moisture in the Dutch soil they buried it in. Even when he was telling me the story a few years ago he still seemed a bit unnerved when thinking about the possible consequences if they were caught stealing that car.

It is quite something to think that something like WWII that seems quite a while ago (for someone in their mid-late 30's) isn't really all that long ago at all, especially when you listen to your own relatives, or see in pictures what someone you love went through.

Especially over the past 5-10 years or so, I find myself appreciating it a bit more. I find myself stepping aside for older people in lineups at the grocery store, or holding the door for seniors, or letting anyone with a 'veteran' license plate have the right of way on the road. Doesn't make me any better of a person, but it's the absolute least I can do for people who put their lives on the line like they did so many years ago.

It's all about respect. And to me, living or dead, WWI or any soldiers in battle going on today that involve our troops, they still deserve that respect.

I wear my poppy with pride.

11-11-2010, 01:29 AM	#18
KootenayFlamesFan Commie Referee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Small town, B.C. Exp:	As others have stated, this time of year gets me more choked up more than any other. I tend to watch and read quite a bit about WWII, it is quite interesting, sad, and brutal. My grandfather on my mother's side fought for the Canadian navy. He didn't talk a lot about his experiences, and when he did it was mainly about the other men he served with and stories that had a bit of humor to them. He passed away just a couple of months ago. When I was at his place/my grandmother's place for his funeral she set out a photo album that was all pictures and documents about that era. Lots of pictures that really put him in a different light............a very young, good-looking guy with lost of smiles, pictures of him and his fellow soldiers before they shipped off. And something that really stuck out to me was the original telegraph he received overseas telling him that his first child was born (a son), the date, the time, and that mother and son were both doing well. Also, the document that gave him the time and day to report for service was a bit chilling as well. My grandfather on my dad's side is still alive. He was born and raised in Holland, and as a mechanic, he was forced into a German labor camp to fix airplanes during the war. Much like my other grandfather, he doesn't talk much about that time. And when he does, it is just funny/interesting stories. One example is the time he and my uncle (still alive as well) stole a very expensive German car and buried it underground, expecting to retrieve it soon later, only later to find it quite useless due to the length of time it took to get back to it after it was safe to do so, along with the amount of moisture in the Dutch soil they buried it in. Even when he was telling me the story a few years ago he still seemed a bit unnerved when thinking about the possible consequences if they were caught stealing that car. It is quite something to think that something like WWII that seems quite a while ago (for someone in their mid-late 30's) isn't really all that long ago at all, especially when you listen to your own relatives, or see in pictures what someone you love went through. Especially over the past 5-10 years or so, I find myself appreciating it a bit more. I find myself stepping aside for older people in lineups at the grocery store, or holding the door for seniors, or letting anyone with a 'veteran' license plate have the right of way on the road. Doesn't make me any better of a person, but it's the absolute least I can do for people who put their lives on the line like they did so many years ago. It's all about respect. And to me, living or dead, WWI or any soldiers in battle going on today that involve our troops, they still deserve that respect. I wear my poppy with pride. Last edited by KootenayFlamesFan; 11-11-2010 at 01:32 AM.