theglobeandmail.com
Remembrance and War's Toll
A personal reflection on Remembrance Day, exploring the author's experiences from childhood to military service, revealing the psychological impact of war and challenging the conventional commemoration.
English
Canada
Middle EastMilitaryRussia Ukraine WarWarRemembranceTraumaReflection
Canadian Armed Forces
Benjamin HertwigJohn MccraeWilfred Owen
- How did the author's perception of Remembrance Day evolve throughout his life?
- The author's experience with Remembrance Day ceremonies evolved from a youthful performance in a school setting to a complex reflection on war's impact, shaped by personal experiences and observations.
- What is the author's proposed memorial for victims of war, and what is its purpose?
- The author suggests a unique memorial for war victims: a large red room with portraits of the fallen, forcing politicians to confront the consequences of war.
- How did the author's feelings toward his father's military uniform change over time?
- The author's feelings towards his father's military uniform shifted from childhood comfort and aspiration to anger and rejection, symbolizing his changed perspective on war and its futility.
- What overall message does the author convey through his experiences with Remembrance Day and war?
- The author's Remembrance Day experiences, from school recitations to military service, underscore the complexities of commemorating war and the lasting psychological impact on those involved.
- What is the significance of the author's grandfather's saying, "Wer kokelt pischt ins Bett," in the context of his experiences?
- The author's grandfather's military sayings, particularly "Wer kokelt pischt ins Bett," ironically foreshadowed the author's own bed-wetting episode after returning from Afghanistan, highlighting the psychological toll of war.