CP24.com readers were asked to share their Remembrance Day stories with us, whether they participated in the war or grew up with a loved one in service. These are their memories and the photos that have defined their experience.
Memories
We had just concluded our morning walk on this brilliant day, at our usual watering hole - The Second Cup at York Mills Plaza. He was so easy to miss, were it not for his shock of white hair and piercing blue eyes...I almost walked right by him without the courtesy of feeding all my change into his cardboard box filled with poppies.
As many years back as I can remember.... This handsome older gentleman has been standing tall, erect, with dark blue coat and well worn shoes polished to a luster, on the very same spot every November. Through all the wintery bitterness that this time of year can muster.
I have often wondered what those captivating eyes might have seen during the War, though I never asked, for fear that it would conjure up memories far too painful to revisit -- so I would just smile and say a pathetically inadequate "Thank you for all that you do and all that you have done."
But today was different, it was a beautiful day - no reason for people to rush past this dutiful sentry and forget to acknowledge his bravery, sacrifice, pride and pain - with a token donation...and yet, sadly, so many did.
I took the liberty of asking if I could bring him a coffee, and we started to chat - at first just pleasantries. His spoke haltingly, in the softest voice, of the courtesy of someone who already offered him tea....His name, when I asked, was written on his box - Jan (pronounced Yaun), as were the words "23 years". That is how long Jan has been selling Remembrance Day Poppies at that location.
I told Jan that I would be very interested in hearing of any of his experiences which he felt he could share. His eyes revealed more at that moment than I thought I could bear...he shook his head no, but then, after a moment, said " I am from Norway.....We all went to Europe to fight Hitler...... We were in the thick of it....And I stand here for all my friends ......who never returned. That is why I come back every year, and I shall continue to come back here, as long as my legs will stand."
He then continued, "We went to Europe to save as many Jews as we could, and bring them back to Norway..... But 100 or so remained. They were the wealthy ones. the ones with beautiful homes and great possessions...we could not get them to leave..." Jan's eyes clouded over...
Jan lives with his wife in an RV. He is 85 years old and drives to Florida after Remembrance Day to volunteer as a paramedic for people in the south who can not afford medical care.
Jan is only one of countless unsung heroes.....
Please, please look for Jan in your visits to our neighbourhood plaza this week, let him know that his presence there is noted and our gratitude for his sacrifices is immeasurable.
I plan to stop by York Mills Plaza to pay Jan a visit tomorrow, and I pray he is still there!
Regards,
Julia Paisley
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