I had an uncle-in-law who was in the second wave on Juno Beach on D-Day. He was with his brother. Both survived and continued to fight inland into France.

My uncle returned to Canada. He started a small business, married my aunt and took her two children as his own. He was well regarded in his community.

My uncle’s brother returned to Canada as well. He was beset with alcoholism, venereal disease, and poverty. He committed suicide in 1969.

War affects people differently. We should not look to those who seem to have survived the ordeal of war as “the example.” We should be ready to help those who really suffered from the experience.

It is well recognized in Canada the effects of PTSD from war. We have had several political parties and prime ministers who were elected, in part, in dealing with veterans. Yet nothing seems to be done. I don’t get it!