My Grandpa didn't die from the war, but the injuries he suffered plagued him throughout his life. However, the war was his only opportunity for survival. His mother had mental issues, and his dad was a drunk. He had nothing except for an opportunity. He joined at a very young age. One day while in the barracks a sergeant yelled at him because he had facial hair. Why haven't you shaved! he yelled. My grandpa responded that he didn't know how. A teenager so young he hadn't learned to shave was risking his lilfe for his country. He flew in th bomber airplanes and had gas dropped over him. He returned to Canada a hero, and married my grandmother. He wanted to attend law school but he still didn't have the money. My grandma offered to work but during that time my grandfather would not allow that.
Instead, he worked his way up starting as a insurance claims manager. He would move to Prince George from Vancouver and became involved in politics. He would go on to become an MP, representing Prince George-Bulkey valley, one of the largest geographic constituencys in the country. He served from 1979-1988, when he retired from politics.
My Grandpa ensured that his grandchildren would have the opportunities he didn't have as a 20 year old man. He set up an education trust fund for all his grandchildren to ensure that they could afford a university education.
Other reasons aside, my Grandpa has been a major influence on my decision to go to law school. He has given me so many opportunities that he never got to experience at my age. For me to waste these opportunities because of laziness is the worst thing I could possibly do. My grandpa is my biggest motivator. May he rest in peace.
Please share your stories as well so that the lives of the men and women who served our country live on.