2005 -- YEAR OF THE VETERAN

November 2005

Ours is not a warlike nation, but whenever circumstances have warranted Canadians have answered the call to arms, as far back as the 1700s. The most notable examples have been during the 20th century: two World Wars, the Korean War, and numerous peace-keeping roles of varying scope and success under the United Nations aegis. These conflicts have cost the lives of more than 110,000 men and women.

For as long as most people can remember, Canada's battles have been commemorated and veterans honoured on Remembrance ... (more)

the National War Memorial
This is where most of the year's ceremonies took place in Ottawa....

the Unknown Soldier
is entombed at the National War Memorial.

the Canadian War Museum
This enormous museum was officially opened on May 8, to coincide with...

Lancaster over the Museum
The tail-fin-like elevation at the east end of the Museum is sheathed...

The Victoria Cross (VC)
Over the years 94 Canadians have been awarded the VC (most posthumously)....

World War I
This diorama portrays the horrors of trying to survive in the muddy...

In Flanders Fields
This is the original manuscript of the famous poem written in the trenches of...

William "Billy" Bishop's decorations
They were awarded for service with both the RAF and the RCAF. They...

World War II
This priceless artifact is one of a half-dozen armoured limousines...

Battle of the Atlantic
This was the longest battle of World War II. It began in 1939 and ended upon...

Battle of the Atlantic Sunday
A commemorative ceremony is always held at the National War Memorial on the...

naval and Merchant Marine veterans
... arrive for the ceremony. "Naval" veterans include those from the...

Current serving naval members march past

Battle of Britain Commemoration
The Battle of Britain lasted four months, Aug - Dec 1940. It is commemorated...

Spitfire landing
... after the ceremony. This "Spit", now owned and flown by Ottawa...

a unique flypast
Here are the Lancaster, the Spitfire, and a Mustang (also owned by Michael...

At the going down of the sun
... we shall remember them. Over 130,000 airmen trained in the...

WW II - Victory in Europe (May)
Here the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party leads the parade on the...

''our boys'', heroes every one
In this photo we see Army, Navy, Merchant Navy, and Airforce veterans. About...

Not all veterans were men
Thousands of women served in the WRENs (Women's RCN), the CWACs (Canadian...

First Nations warriors
... have played important roles in Canada's war efforts from...

a royal tribute
The Dutch royal family was given refuge here throughout the war, and Canadian...

Victory over Japan (August)
Canada was also at war in the Far East from 1941, serving in Hong...

Royal Canadian Legion Colour Guard
... leads the VJ-Day commemorative parade.

a special lady
About 300 surviving veterans and thousands of grateful citizens attended the...

Hong Kong survivors
These are veterans of the 1941 defence of Hong Kong, where 1689 were...

Burma campaign survivors
These are some of the few surviving veterans of the Burma campaign.

wheelchair survivors
Due to the horrendous conditions in POW camps, many of the survivors...

the band of the Ceremonial Guard
... marches off after the VJ-Day commemoration. These are the musicians who...

B25 Mitchell takes off
The theme of the Ottawa Air Show this year was "Honour the Veterans",...

Douglas 'Dauntless'
This carrier-borne bomber was widely used in the Pacific war. Although it was...

P51 Mustang
With a top speed of well over 400 mph, this was the fastest World War II...

two venerable fighters
As the Mustang takes off, it is overflown by Michael Potter in his Spitfire.

40mm anti-aircraft gun
This was one of the dozens of artifacts from Canada, the USA and Germany,...

Remembrance Day 2005
The sun was shining, but it was bitterly cold. The Governor General, who is...

The Legion Colour Guard leads the parade

first of the more than 1,000 veterans
... who marched or were wheeled past the saluting dais and an...

First Nations veterans
... were well represented. In October, a number of their...

Governor General's Foot Guards band
... followed the veterans, ahead of platoons of other serving personnel and...

the Cameron Highlanders
Formed in 1881, they took part in Canada's major war efforts. They...

RCMP veterans
Members of the Force have served with distinction abroad, in wartime and...

after the ceremony
This is the front of the National War Memorial after the conclusion. Wreaths...

a view of one side
Note the dates of the Korean War at the right. Of 27,000 Canadians who...

peace-keepers monument
Some 100,000 Canadians have served in peace-keeping missions abroad, and 121...

''Fallen like the Autumn leaves''
A peaceful corner of the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa.

article published 11/11/2005

Comments

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President and CEO, CARSCARP Consulting
I'm so impressed with this series of photos that I will be contacting my connections within the Royal Canadian Legion, The Canadian War Museum and Royal Canadian Military institute to advise them of Fred Perry's array of photos. Another "tip of the hat" to you, Fred, for an excellent "trip" through Remembrance Day, 2005 Thanks for the work you have done to promote Canada's veterans and how we remember them.
— J R Digger MacDougall, November 16, 2005

Your article speaks well for itself !! Great pictures
— JimmyW, November 14, 2005

This is a great journal Fred & a wonderful & thoughtful tribute to peace and sacrifice. There were several times when your comments or photo brought tears or tugged at my heart strings. Great job.
— Lorraine Brecht, November 14, 2005

May we always remember
This is a great collection of information and pictures of our brave veterans. These men and women risked their lives in order to help Canada become the wonderful, free country that it is today; I am very grateful to all of them and they deserve to be remembered forever. This article really captures the sacrifices that these brave people made for our country.
— Misty, November 14, 2005

A great tribute to our veterans and the armed forces, Fred. Thank you. Lea Horbaty
— Lea Horbaty, November 13, 2005

Dear Fred, wonderful presentation. We all need a reminder now and then of those that fought for the freedom we have now. thank you
— Sharon, November 13, 2005

Lets Not Forget!
Fred, this is a very powerful presentation and it has a special meaning for me because of your service to the country. As always I view your photos and read your comments with great pleasure and enjoyment. Your presentation reminds us of the importance of preserving the peace! Greetings, Rafal
— Rafal K Komierowski, November 13, 2005

Year of the Veteran
Fred, this is the best yet. I don't know if the first comment went through... but I realyy learned alot and appreciated your work and knowledge..shared so generously , as usual. Thanks for your dedication to the armed forces and your pride an their contribution to Canada... and yours!!
— Frieda Raab, November 13, 2005

Thanks for keeping our history as peace keepers alive. We are truly blessed to live in a country that supports human rights and democracy. Your article reminds us all of the significanct role our veterans and nurses have played in keeping Canada a safe and compassionate country for all. Thank you for taking the time to research, photograph and write about these men and women. I look forward to reading more of your articles. I always come away inspired and aware.

Monica Foell
— monica foell, November 12, 2005

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