I had visited a temporary exhibit, Last Voices of the Second World War, at the Canadian War Museum ahead of Remembrance Day last year. I had found it deeply emotional, and wanted to visit again before it closed up in January. So in between Christmas and New Year's in December, I stopped by the Museum for a visit. The exhibit is the work by Museum staff with veterans and their families, through their own words, photos, and artifacts. It looks at their war experiences and what coming home meant to them.
After the First World War, there wasn't really much support or plans for how to demobilize soldiers and get them back into civilian life. The Canadian government did things differently after the Second World War, setting up programs and efforts to help with the transition.
Coming home after the things they did and saw and experienced could be overwhelming. This display case includes a train ticket from a veteran of the Battle of Hong Kong, who returned home after years as a prisoner of war, and the discharge documents of another veteran.
Both my father and my grandfather, came back from serving in the Navy and got jobs in the Veterans Administration, serving our veterans so they could find jobs and afford homes.
ReplyDeleteNo one in my family did much time in the military, well Sweden stayed out of the wars back then so maybe not so surprising.
ReplyDeleteA profoundly moving exhibit, highlighting not only the personal stories of veterans but also the evolution of support for those returning from war.
ReplyDeleteGreat exhibit! Thanks for sharing. Take care, have a great day.
ReplyDeleteInteresting exhibition.
ReplyDelete...it's difficult to be a soldier one day and a civilian the next. There isn't a switch!
ReplyDeleteAnd these experiences continue today. I hope veterans are getting support now.
ReplyDeleteWonderful exhibit, William. I hope you are well and that you didn't lose power with the high winds.in your area.
ReplyDeleteGood exhibit photos ~ Veterans need to be honored.
ReplyDeleteI started in the working world in the late 1950's. In government most of the employees were vets.
ReplyDeleteVeterans need to be honored for their service and provided support when they return home!!
ReplyDeleteI understand feeling emotional through history, as all wars are more harmful than good. In my opinion, and this recent stupidity of what my American administration is doing is beyond all reason. War should be avoided at all costs and never be merely a game to those who hold the cards. Sorry for my rant but deaths through war are senseless. again, my opinion.
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