To Remember, a poem in honour of my grandfather and his brothers.

As years pass by

And memories fade

We sometimes forget

The sacrifices made

The “Greatest Generation”

As they were called 

Gave so much of themselves

To benefit us all

World War One, World War Two

Korea, to name a few

So many brave men & women

Bid their families adieu

In battlefields they rallied

Put up such a fight

So that the oppressed

Could again see day’s light

Their courage would not falter

But sadly we must say

That many brave soldiers

Saw not the light of day

Their sacrifice was mighty

Their cause absolute

So today we must pause

And reflect in tribute

It takes but a moment

To stop and reflect

It’s a moment in time

Some shall never forget

This post was inspired by my dear late grandfather, Neil Alexander McInnes.  My grandpa was a decorated veteran of World War Two, having enlisted along with his brothers and my great uncles, James and Russell.  My uncle Jimmy and my grandpa returned from Europe, but sadly Russell did not.  My grandpa was very proud of his service driving a munitions truck through the battlefields, but was forever changed by the experience.  For many years as a little boy and up until his passing in 1992, I would watch or assist him in polishing his medals for Decoration Day and other events.  He was ever so proud of those medals, but I could always get a sense of profound sadness from him at the same time.  If only folks knew how war affected those who experienced it first hand, perhaps they might rethink their actions.  If only .......

Our Collingwood, our hometown .......

A vision from high

Of days gone by

This photo took

Of our storied nook

This special place

Beside the Bay

From rugged shoreline

To mountain’s way

 Railways and shipbuilding

Gave it a start

Our forefather’s hopes and dreams

Gave it heart

Their toils and struggles

Guided the way

Building the town

We call home today

The obstacles were many

The challenges great

Through Depression and war

Their path remained straight

Building a future

Paving the way

Creating a vision

That endures till this day

Things may have changed 

As industry strayed

Vacation and leisure

Is the hand we’re now played

Change is inevitable

Such is life some may say

But the passion of our ancestors

Remains to this day

The photo that inspired my poem also roused my curious nature.  Aerial photography, especially in 1919, was very rare indeed.  The photo was credited as being from the Bishop Barker Company Limited of Toronto.  With thanks to both Siri and Google, I quickly discovered that the source of this marvellous image was a co-operative venture between two decorated World War One Flying Aces.  

Many folks will have no doubt heard of William "Billy" Bishop as there are quite a number of airports named after him.  Billy Barker was also a prominent World war One flying ace, and for a brief period after the war, these two enterprising gentlemen parlayed their skills by flying wealthy Muskokan's and also taking aerial photographs.  Although their venture was short lived, it did produce many wonderful shots such as my most recent acquisition here.  I have included a link to a wonderful biography of William Bishop as well.  I hope you enjoy it and my post!

William "Billy" Bishop

http://www.constable.ca/caah/bbishop.htm