Buying or Selling? Volume 70 Number 23 November 10, 2025
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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Excerpt from For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon
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the LOOKOUT morale & welfare news Canadian Military’s Trusted News Source
Lest We Forget
WE HONOUR THOSE WHO SERVED NOUS RENDONS HOMMAGE À CEUX QUI ONT SERVI
Gunners with the 12th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, read the victory issue of The Maple Leaf, Aurich, Germany, 20 May 1945. LIEUT. DONALD I. GRANT, Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada — PA150931 Les artilleurs du 12e Régiment de campagne, Artillerie royale canadienne, lisent le journal « The Maple Leaf », qui parle de la victoire, à Aurich, en Allemagne, 20 mai 1945. LIEUT. DONALD I. GRANT, Ministère de la Défense nationale / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada — PA150931
November 10, 2025
CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
November 10, 2025
CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
Lest We Forget
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A Letter on Remembrance from Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific As Remembrance Day approaches, I hope that all Canadians pause and reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. This solemn day is not only a time of remembrance, but also a reaffirmation of our collective gratitude and respect for those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in defence of our nation. On Nov 11, we gather across the country to honour the memory of those who stood in harm’s way so that others might live in peace. From the battlefields of the First and Second World Wars to modern-day operations and peacekeeping missions, our service members have demonstrated unwavering courage, resilience, and commitment. Their sacrifices – on land, at sea, and in the air – are etched into the very fabric of our national identity. This year, as we bow our heads in remembrance, let us also acknowledge the quiet strength of military families. Their support, endurance, and sacrifice often go unseen, yet they are vital to the mission. We owe them our deepest thanks. Remembrance Day is not only about honouring the past; it’s a call to live by the values our veterans upheld: courage, integrity, and service. In abiding by these principles, we ensure that the legacy of those who gave their lives endures. As we wear the poppy, let it serve as a symbol of reflection and resolve. The freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won, and it is our duty to protect them – and our nation – not only through remembrance, but through action. In these uncertain times, let us stand united. Every act of remembrance strengthens our national spirit and honours those who have safeguarded it.
Lest we forget. Background image xamtiw via Getty Images
A Letter on Remembrance from Captain(Navy) Kevin Whiteside, Commander, CFB Esquimalt To all members of the Defence Team and the Greater Victoria community, As Remembrance Day approaches, we are reminded of the profound importance of honouring those who have served our country in times of war, in times of conflict, and in times of peace. Remembrance is not only a tradition, but also a commitment we carry forward as Canadians. It is a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of generations who stood for something greater than themselves. From the trenches of Vimy Ridge to the beaches of Normandy, from Korea to Afghanistan, and through peacekeeping missions around the world, Canadian military members have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the values of loyalty, integrity, courage, accountability, inclusivity, and excellence. At Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, we are proud to uphold this legacy. Our sailors, soldiers, aviators, and civilian teammates continue to serve with professionalism and resolve. Today, we also think of those deployed abroad, including our shipmates aboard who represent Canada with honour. This Remembrance Day, we gather to honour those who have served and sacrificed in defence of peace, freedom, and our shared values. It is a time to reflect not only on the battles fought, but on the diverse Canadians who answered the call to serve, often while facing systemic barriers. Their courage and commitment continue to shape our nation. As we honour the sacrifices of the past, we also look forward with hope – hope that the lessons of history guide us toward understanding, and that the bravery of those who serve inspires us to build a more peaceful world. This day reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won and must be protected. It is a time to reflect on the cost of conflict and the importance of peace, and a time to express our gratitude – to veterans, to their families, and to those who continue to serve today. Let this Remembrance Day be a moment of unity, reflection, and gratitude – a time to honour the past, support those who serve today, while committing to foster a future rooted in peace and shared purpose. To our veterans, thank you. To their families, thank you. And to those we have lost – we honour you. Your courage will never be forgotten.
Lest we forget. Background image xamtiw via Getty Images
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November 10, 2025
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CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
Remembrance THIS IS
Day
MORALE & WELFARE NEWS CFB ESQUIMALT, VICTORIA, B.C. A Division of Personnel Support Programs
EDITION Re·mem·brance noun; the action of remembering something or
The Lookout Newspaper and Publishing provides morale and welfare news to CFB Esquimalt, Maritime Forces Pacific, and is nationally distributed bi-weekly in print and online at lookoutnewspaper.com with social media updates on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
someone
Every November, Canadians both in and out of uniform take the time to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who came before us.
Reach out to us, we'd love to hear your feedback and story ideas! Published every other Monday, under the authority of Capt(Navy) K. Whiteside, Base Commander, CFB Esquimalt.
Though the concept of remembrance is universal, it is equally personal.
The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or reject copy or advertising to adhere to policy as outlined in PSP Policy Manual. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of National Defence.
Remembrance lives in stories, moments, and quiet reflections unique to each of us. It can take the form of a photograph tucked in a wallet; a medal handed down from previous generations; a flower carefully planted in memory of a loved one; the name of a relative never met.
THE LOOKOUT TEAM CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER Lindsay Groves lindsay.groves@forces.gc.ca PRODUCTION Teresa Laird creativeservices@lookoutnewspaper.com Leslie Eaton creativeservices@lookoutnewspaper.com or eaton.leslie@cfmws.com WRITER/DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Archana Cini archana.cini@forces.gc.ca ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTS Andrea Modesto 250-363-3127 andrea.modesto@forces.gc.ca ADVERTISING Joshua Buck 778-977-5433 military.base.advertising@gmail.com
The cenotaph in Downtown Victoria. Lookout Archives
This year, we turn a page over to you — the voices of our Defence Team — to share what remembrance means to each of you. “Remembrance is a moment to pause and honour the lives forever changed by service and sacrifice. It’s about acknowledging the weight of history, the cost of peace, and our responsibility to remember. But not just on one day, but in how we live and serve every day.” A/SLt Maximilan Graw, CFB Esquimalt Base Public Affairs
“Remembrance is piloting the boat of our present to the land of our future by the heavenly lights of the past. It’s protecting the lives of our children by honouring the sacrifices of the past.” S1 Marcus Hissen, Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy
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“For me, remembrance is reflecting on the soldiers, sailors, and aviators that went before me, including my grandfathers and great grandfathers and reflecting on how we can better take care of those who are currently serving, while also making things better for future generations both military and civilian.” - Lt(Navy) Mike Makow Naval Personnal & Training
EDITORIAL ADVISORS Lt(Navy) Wilson Ho 250-363-4006 Rodney Venis 250-363-7060 Circulation bi-weekly print: 2,100 Social media reach: 10,000+ Defence community members Join the community and follow us for more: Facebook: @LookoutNewspaperNavyNews Instagram: @lookoutnewspaper Linkedin: Lookout Newspaper
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“Remembrance Day to me, is my reflection of the immeasurable sacrifices made by those who gave their lives, and those who returned forever changed. It carries deep personal meaning as I honour my own family members who fought, family who never came home, and my family who bore the invisible scars of war. Wearing the poppy and standing in silence is my way of expressing gratitude, unity, and remembrance. It is a moment to confront the unfathomable discomfort, pain, and horror that war brings — and to promise never to forget the cost of our freedom.” Aviator Rebecca Mainardi MARPAC Imaging
Remembrance Day Reception Lest We Forget Tuesday, November 11 Services: Cash Bar
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CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
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The Story of the RCN’s Don Russell Shannon Donnelly Broadmead Care Don Russell grew up in Calgary and started working on a farm at a young age. By the time he was 17, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), eager for a change after long, hot days in the fields. “You can’t imagine what it was like working on a farm,” Russell recalls. “It’s 37 C, and you’re paid 25 cents a day.” When he joined the Navy, one of his officers remarked that he was always smiling. “You guys pay me a dollar a day; I only have to get up at 7:00 a.m; have a hot breakfast; I’m getting a free education; and you pay for my clothes,” Russell replied. “On the farm, I had to be up at 5:30 a.m. and eat cold oats for breakfast!” Initially, Russell wanted to join the Air Force, but with a Grade 6 education, he didn’t meet the qualifications. Even the Navy required at least Grade 8, so Russell fibbed about his education and passed the aptitude test. With that, he officially enlisted in the Navy. While his service in the Navy was life-changing throughout, it was his time aboard HMCS Athabaskan during the Korean War that left the most significant mark. Athabaskan, a Tribal-
class destroyer, was deployed on three tours during the Korean conflict starting in 1950, with duties ranging from anti-submarine patrols to troop transport, evacuations, and bombardments. At just 20 years old, Russell served aboard the Athabaskan for 18 months as a stoker in the boiler room. He remembers conditions were harsh below deck. “It was so cold there, there were icicles hanging off the fans. People don’t realize how cold it really was.” In addition to his duties in the boiler room, Russell delivered signal messages between ships, sometimes under dangerous circumstances. On one occasion, he found himself on a small 20-foot whale boat in complete darkness, with enemy ships firing overhead. “We were taking a signal from our ship to another one, but we couldn’t light up the lamps because the shore guns were aimed at us,” he explains. Although he never knew for sure if the ship took enemy fire, he remembers when the Athabaskan was targeted by gunfire from the shore. The captain ordered the crew to return fire, and Russell felt the power of the ship’s guns reverberating through the hull. “There was nothing left on the beach.” The Athabaskan was also involved in a dramatic rescue mission when an
American Panther jet crashed just two miles ahead. The Athabaskan rushed to rescue the pilot, bringing him aboard in just 10 minutes. “I was on deck at the time and saw the whole thing! We got him on board and got him back to his carrier.” After leaving the Navy, Russell built a long and successful career in engineering. He worked in various roles across Canada, including with BC Ferries, the Department of Highways, and Island Tug. Engineering became his lifelong trade, shaped by the career in the Navy. Russell’s life has been full of hard work, adventure, and service. At 91, he continues to share his stories, leaving behind a legacy of courage and commitment. Russell receives support through the Veterans Health Centre program and recently moved to Veterans Memorial Lodge. Like all Canadian veterans, Russell gave up so much so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. It is our privilege to support him. You can make a difference to veterans like Don Russell with your gift to Broadmead Care, a registered charity and non-profit care provider serving veterans, seniors, and adults living with disabilities. Visit www.bethegift.ca to make a donation.
Background image Arthit_Longwilai via Getty Images
A photo of Don Russell taken during his first few years in service to Canada.
A portrait of Don Russell at the Veterans Memorial Lodge. Photos supplied
South Island Cenotaph Locations
Most Remembrance Day ceremonies and observances take place at 11:11am. Please check with your local Legion or municipal hall to confirm times. COBBLE HILL ESQUIMALT OAK BAY SIDNEY VICTORIA Garden of Remembrance Veterans Cemetery Service Uplands Park Sidney Town Hall Legislative Building 1475 Fisher Rd. 1190 Colville Rd. 2800 Beach Dr. 2440 Sidney Ave. 501 Belleville St.
COLWOOD Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre 1767 Island Hwy Royal Roads University 2005 Sooke Rd. COWICHAN DISTRICT/ CHEMANIUS 9799 Willow St. LAKE COWICHAN Central Park 105 Stanley Rd. DUNCAN Charles Hoey Park 130 Canada Ave.
Memorial Park 1220 Esquimalt Rd. LADYSMITH 1010 Esplanade Avenue LANGFORD Veterans Memorial Park. 2815 Aldwynd Rd. LANTZVILLE Legion Branch 257 7227 Lantzville Rd. METCHOSIN The Church of St. Mary the Virgin 4354 Metchosin Rd.
PENDER ISLAND Legion Branch 239 1344 Mackinnon Rd. SAANICH Municipal Hall 770 Vernon Ave. Pioneer Park 1209 Clarke Rd.
SOOKE Sooke Legion 6726 Eustace Rd.
Ross Bay Cemetery 1495 Fairfield Rd. Canadian Scottish Regiment Cenotaph 975 Quadra Street Goldstream Provincial Park Finlayson Arm Rd. off Hwy 1
SALT SPRING ISLAND Centennial Park 138 Fulford-Ganges
Cenotaph image from the Lookout photo archive. Background texture image from Getty Images/iStock Photo: jessicahyde. Poppy clipart from Getty Images / iStock Photo. Poppy border image from Getty Images/iStock Photo: SHAWSHANK61. Poppy Image: Sviatlana Barchan
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November 10, 2025
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CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
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CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
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The Story of Roy Mackay Shannon Donnelly Broadmead Care Born in Montreal in 1930 to a Jewish mother and Catholic father, Roy Mackay was the youngest of four children. Sadly, both his sisters passed away following complications from influenza in the early 1930s, leaving Roy, his brother, and their parents. At 18, Mackay joined the Army, with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) 1st Battalion in Calgary. “I had wanted to go to Korea and fight in the war. But they had other plans for me.” Canada’s concerns over Soviet occupation led to increased training and presence along Canada’s northern borders. Mackay trained as a paratrooper in Rivers, Manitoba. “We arrived in December, which I remember was cold — 35 below zero!” Remembering the rush of jumping out of the planes, Mackay smiles when he thinks of how the instructors would say, right before opening the doors of the plane, ‘You don’t have to jump.’ However, once the green light would come on and everyone pushed up tight there was no turning back. Mackay said, “When they yelled ‘go’ you better bloody well move or you’d get trampled to death!” Once his first three years were up in the Army, Mackay made the decision to make the switch and join the Navy. “I still wanted to get overseas and do my part during the Korean War.”
Posted on the HMCS Athabaskan, he was part of the third deployment to Korean waters. Trained as an engineer, Mackay recalls his action station on the ship was in the ammunitions section. “My job was to pass up the ammunition for the fourinch guns. We could only go as fast as the men could put the shells in.” Meant for firing on enemy ships or land targets, the recoil from the four-inch high-angle guns could shatter light bulbs throughout the ship. “They sure shook the hell out of ya.” Following his return from the Korean War, Mackay was stationed in Halifax and Esquimalt before retiring from the military after 25 years of service. Mackay credits the Navy with his career that proceeded with BC Tel as a linesman, where he worked for 18 years. Mackay and his late wife, Joy, have three kids. Widowed in 1996 after his wife’s long battle with multiple sclerosis, Mackay now enjoys time with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. A resident at Veterans Memorial Lodge since 2016, at 93 years old Mackay keeps up his strength and health by continuing to work out every day. He rides a stationary bike, lifts free weights, enjoys walks, and eats healthy meals. “The food is excellent. Don’t let anybody tell you different. I should know, I have eaten at places all over the world.” You can make a difference to veterans like Roy Mackay with your gift to Broadmead Care, a registered charity and non-profit care provider serving veterans, seniors, and adults living with disabilities. Visit www.bethegift.ca to make a donation.
Lest we forget.
HONOURING OUR VETERANS. We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of our country’s Veterans, in recognition of their contributions past and present.
Left: A portrait of Roy Mackay at the Veterans Memorial Lodge. Inset: A photo of Roy Mackay (left) in the army at 18 years old. Photos supplied
Background image Arthit_Longwilai via Getty Images
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November 10, 2025
Lest We Forget
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CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
In Memory:
Lieutenant-Commander David Bliss Adapted from web notes by COATS & Volunteers and 151 Chadburn Squadron - Royal Canadian Air Cadets
On Remembrance Day We Salute our Nation’s Heroes Both past and present GREATER VICTORIA LOCATIONS HILLSIDE
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and Formation Chief. LCdr Bliss’s unwavering commitment, professionalism, and mentorship left an indelible mark on the organizations he interacted with and the lives of countless cadets, Junior Canadian Rangers ( JCR), Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS), League members, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) colleagues across our country. His wisdom, his genuine passion for interacting with cadets, his love of asking ‘What does right look like?’, and his Chief ’s hand will all be deeply missed by those who had the privilege to know him. His legacy will endure.
Fair winds and following seas, LCdr Bliss.
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It is with great sadness that we inform the Defence community of the passing of Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) David Bliss, MMM, CD, Formation Chief of the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group (CJCR). LCdr Bliss dedicated his life to the service of Canada: first through a distinguished career in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and later as a steadfast leader within the CJCR. Initially an Army Cadet with 1913RCACC, he would serve as: an underwater weapon specialist with the RCN; the Pacific Fleet Chief Petty Officer (CPO); Regional
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CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
In the loud quiet Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper
The world is still, the wind precise I breathe in your air, once, then twice Service runs deep, through marrow and sea It binds every soul that stands brave and free I don’t stand alone, though no one can see You’re in my pocket, walking with me I step in your prints, you’re just out of view But this land remembers, and so I find you You held our country like a bird in your hands With innocence and duty and love for these lands Our peace is not silent, it echoes through time In kindness, love, rhythm, and rhyme Laughter returns gently through memories and years Sorrow turns to pride and heartache to cheers Names etched in silver, in stone, and song Remind us that service has bound us all along You’ve gone much farther than maps allow But I trace your shape and feel you somehow Your passing remains; soft incense and thread We continue to share pain like others break bread Even in endings, I’ve come to find There’s always a tomorrow of some kind.
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November 10, 2025
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CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
In Remembrance of Indigenous Veterans Observed annually on Nov 8, Indigenous Veterans Day honours the thousands of Indigenous Peoples who have served and continue to serve our nation in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Indigenous Veterans Day was first commemorated in Winnipeg in 1994 and stands as a reminder to remember those who fought for Canada — many before they even had the right to vote. The stories and memories here reaffirm our shared duty to remember, and ensure the stories of our Indigenous veterans are woven into the broader fabric of Canadian remembrance.
Photo: Getty Images: Wirestock; Illustrated Poppies: Elena Smirnova via Getty Images.
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November 10, 2025
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CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
Brigadier-Magistrate Oliver Milter Martin and, the following year, he earned his pilot’s wings. When the war ended, Martin returned to teaching and became a school principal in Toronto, Ontario. He also maintained his ties with his militia regiment. In 1930, he assumed command of the Haldimand Rifles, holding this position until the outbreak of the Second World War. During the Second World War, Martin oversaw the training of hundreds of recruits in Canada. His first appointment, as a colonel, was commander of the 13th Infantry Brigade at a training camp at Niagara-on-the-Lake. The following year he was promoted to brigadier and went on to command the 14th (Nanaimo) and 16th (Prince George) Infantry Brigades. In the official history of the Algonquin Regiment the brigadier is remembered with fondness and respect. The Algonquins had arrived at Niagara-onthe-Lake after a long and festive train ride:
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Brigadier-Magistrate Oliver Milton Martin in 1943. Photo: Nina Burnham
Government of Canada The name Oliver Milton Martin appears repeatedly in Indigenous newspapers and magazines. He was a prominent figure: a soldier who reached the highest rank ever held by an Indigenous man and, in civilian life, a schoolteacher, principal, and provincial magistrate. A Mohawk from the Six Nations Grand River Reserve, Martin made his mark in both the army and the air force. He served in the First and Second World Wars, ending his service in 1944 with the rank of brigadier. Martin’s military career began in 1909, when he joined the Haldimand Rifles militia regiment. Bugler was the first of his many military roles. In 1915, at the age of 22, he took leave from teaching to enlist in the regular force. Two brothers also volunteered. Martin eventually served as a company officer with the 114th and the 107th Battalions. As a lieutenant, he spent seven months in France and Belgium, where he survived a gas attack. In 1917, he qualified as an observer with the Royal Flying Corps
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“It was a sad and sore group of men who piled off the cars in Niagara. It was our good fortune to have Brigadier Martin as our new brigade commander, and he, sensing our condition, was most tactful and kindly. His first inspection of the unit, and his words to the men, won him at the outset our strong friendship and loyalty.” After leaving the Armed Forces, Martin was appointed provincial magistrate for Ontario District 6, the counties of York, Halton, and Peel. He was the first Indigenous person to hold a judicial post in Ontario. The Mohawk magistrate served the district until his death in 1957. Brigadier Martin received many awards for his accomplishments. For his 20 years of service with good conduct in the militia, Martin was awarded the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer’s Decoration. In 1953, he and his wife, Lillian, were invited to, and attended, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Today, the East York branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is named the Brigadier O. Martin Branch.
Sharpshooter Henry Norwest Government of Canada One of the most famous Canadian snipers in the First World War was a Métis marksman who went by the name of Henry Louis Norwest. Norwest was born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, of French-Cree ancestry. In his nearly three years of service with the 50th Canadian Infantry Battalion, the lance-corporal achieved a record of 115 fatal shots. The former ranch-hand and rodeo performer also merited the Military Medal and bar, making him one of roughly 830 members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) to be awarded this double honour. Norwest’s career in the army did not begin so gloriously. He enlisted in January 1915 under the name Henry Louie and was discharged after three months for misbehaviour. Eight months later, he signed up again, under a new name and with a fresh slate. Ultimately, Norwest proved to be an inspiration to his unit. A fellow soldier wrote of him: Our famous sniper no doubt understood better than most of us the cost of life and the price of death. Henry Norwest carried out his terrible duty superbly because he believed his special skill gave him no choice but to fulfil his indispensable mission.
Our 50th [Battalion] sniper went about his work with passionate dedication and showed complete detachment from everything while he was in the line... Yet when we had the rare opportunity to see our comrade at close quarters, we found him pleasant and kindly, quite naturally one of us, and always an inspiration. Sniping was a hazardous infantry role. Most snipers worked in pairs, with one partner shooting and the other observing — scanning the surroundings and reporting enemy movements. It is said Norwest possessed all the skills required of a sniper: excellent marksmanship, an ability to keep perfectly still for very long periods and superb camouflage techniques. Much of his time was spent in No Man’s Land, the dreaded area between opposing forces. As well, Norwest and his observer often slipped behind enemy lines. The battalion’s star marksman earned the MM in 1917 at a peak on Vimy Ridge dubbed “the Pimple.” The Canadian Corps, part of a massive Allied offensive, was tasked with capturing the Ridge. Although previous Allied attempts to take it had failed, the elaborately planned Canadian assault succeeded. Most of the Ridge was taken on the first day, April
9. Three days later, the two remaining enemy positions, including the Pimple, were conquered. According to his award citation, Norwest showed “great bravery, skill, and initiative in sniping the enemy after the capture of the Pimple. By his activity he saved a great number of our men’s lives.” The following year, Norwest was awarded a bar to his MM. It is not known why, and in August 1918, his bravery was again evident. During the Battle of Amiens, in France, Allied forces advanced 19 kilometres in three days. For his part, Norwest destroyed several enemy machine-gun posts and achieved a record that was a battalion high. A week later, the 50th Battalion was moving into position for its next assignment when the sharpshooter held his final post. On August 18, three months before the war ended, Norwest and two others were looking for a nest of troublesome enemy snipers. A sniper’s bullet hit the Métis marksman, killing him instantly. For the members of his battalion, a genuine hero had been lost.
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Quotes on War from Indigenous Veterans Government of Canada “The Colonel begins to read the 36 names of our fallen. Tears are in his eyes. He falters and hands the paper to the Adjutant who calmly folds the paper and puts it in his pocket and quietly says: ‘It is not necessary. They were comrades. We remember.’” James Brady, Second World War Veteran, Métis leader from Alberta “A friend of mine, he got killed over there... in the evening we were sitting side by side, and a sniper got him. Shot him right between the eyes, you know. I don’t know why they didn’t pick me.” Adolphus Ghostkeeper, Second World War Veteran, Métis from Vancouver “In Cree we say ‘Kahgee pohn noten took’ on Remembrance Day. “It means, the fighting has ended.’” Irene Plante, Veteran’s widow, Cree “When I was at Rossport, on Lake Superior, in 1914, some of us landed from our vessel to gather blueberries near an Ojibwa camp. An old Indian recognized me, and gave me a tiny medicine-bag to protect me, saying that I would shortly go into great danger. The bag was of skin, tightly bound with a leather thong. Sometimes it seemed to be as hard as rock, at other times it appeared to contain nothing. What really was inside it I do not know. I wore it in the trenches, but lost it when I was wounded and taken to a hospital.” Francis Pegahmagabow, First World War Veteran
A photo of sharpshooter Henry Norwest as a rodeo-performer and ranch hand prior to his career in service to Canada. Photo: Glenbow Archives
Illustrated Poppies: Elena Smirnova via Getty Images.
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The service and sacrifice that shapes Canada lives not only through monuments and medals, but also within books. Reading, like remembrance, invites reflection. Whether told through the lens of history, fiction, lived experience, or artwork, the books below preserve the voices of our veterans. Together, they ensure that their sacrifices continue to shape our understanding of duty, peace, and what it means to serve. They are told by our veterans, historians, and storytellers alike. Importantly, the suggested material below reminds us that war and service extend far beyond the battlefield. They travel into our homes, hearts, communities, and collective history. They will never leave. This Remembrance month, Canadians are encouraged to read and revisit the layered reading list below as a powerful act of remembrance. And No Birds Sang by Farley Mowat A powerful Second World War memoir by a Canadian infantry officer grappling with loss and the human cost of war.
The Naval Service of Canada 1910‑2010 (ed. Alec Douglas) A comprehensive centennial history of Canada’s naval force, origins, wartime operations, and ongoing modern transformation.
A History of Women in the Canadian Military by Barbara Dundas A sweeping exploration into over a century of women’s service in the Canadian military from the 1885 Northwest Rebellion to today.
The Wars by Timothy Findley The story of 19-year-old Canadian soldier Robert Ross as he grapples with grief and duty in the chaos of trench warfare during the First World War.
A Sailor’s Life by Peter Godwin Chance A naval memoir chronicling over three decades of service in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) recounted by one of the country’s most distinguished sailors.
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