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
Here is a photo of my Great Uncle, John James Dance.
My Grandmother Weir left behind a Cedar chest with old photos, medals and letters from her older brother John. He was a Co-pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force serving his country during WW2.
Also in the chest was his Flying Log Book. The last entry reads "Kassel, Missing" 22-10-42. He had just turned 21 years of age and he would never be seen again.
Although my brothers and I were quite young, we did know my Great-grandmother (Nana Dance as we called her) before she passed away. However I don't remember her ever speaking of the tragic loss of her son or the war itself. In fact, until my father gave me this Cedar chest, I really didn't know much about my Great Uncle nor truly appreciate the impact his loss would have had on those who loved him.
My husband and I had the Cedar chest restored and all the photos, letters home and medals remain inside, with one exception. I placed a framed photo of my Great Uncle, looking handsome and dapper in his RCAF uniform, on our bookshelf. The frame has a small, and now very worn, clipping of a poem which reads:
"We, giving all, gained all,
Neither death lament us nor praise,
Only in all things recall,
'Tis fear, not death, that stays"
On November 11, 2011, I would like Canadians to remember my Great Uncle for a moment and appreciate the sacrifice this young man, and others like him, made for us all.
Tracey Weir
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