I am writing these words a few days before 11 November. At 11:00 am that day, I will be standing near the National War Memorial; a simple mark of my respect and gratitude to all of Canada’s soldiers, sailors and airmen – living and dead – of the wars of the 20th Century. The courage and sacrifices of these Canadians ought never to be forgotten. But like so many others today, I have no personal memories of the world wars. How do we ensure that the passage of time does not fade from Canada’s memory the deeds of a generation?

The generation who fought the First World War is now gone. The generation who fought the Second World War must do its part today to ensure its deeds are not forgotten tomorrow. Are you a veteran of the Second World War? Now is the time to tell your story. I urge you to preserve your wartime memories – for your family today and for others tomorrow.

From the attic or basement of your home, search out your wartime letters and log book.  Obtain a copy of your military service records from the National Archives of Canada. (For details, see the Archives’ web site: www.archives.ca) Then – on videotape, computer disk, or paper – recount the events of your own wartime actions – enlistment, training, deployment, duties and combat, and return home. Finally, and most importantly, you must see that all this is preserved and shared – distributed within your family, deposited in some public repository, or published.

We will remember.

Timothy Dubé
Chairman, Ottawa Chapter
Canadian Aviation Historical Society

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