Discovering Some of Dad's Experiences When He Served in the RCAF During WWII

Yesterday, November 11th, was Remembrance Day in Canada.

I shared the story of the poppy, the symbol of remembrance worn by Canadians to honour Canada’s Fallen.

Recently I have been sharing pictures of the mugs I use when making my smoothie every morning. On Remembrance Day my mugs reminded me of visits to the countries that played a role in Canada’s military efforts around the world. Both my Dad, Girvan Harris Graham, and his brother, Clayton Graham, served in WWII as members of the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force).

Dad served in England so my mug from London reminds me of our trip with Mom and Dad taken 47 years after the war had ended.

Growing up Dad never shared much of his experiences in England but on this trip we had a chance to go to many of the places he had been while stationed in England. I remember him saying, I saw this when we were in Trafalgar Square.

We went to Coventry and saw the ruins of the Cathedral now standing beside the new Cathedral. Dad remembered seeing scenes like this and we were all impressed by the inscription, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Dad was stationed in Shelby and when we visited there we saw the monument to his squadron. When I suggested we take his picture, he immediately stood at attention and saluted.

In my next post, I will share another mug and tell you about my Uncle Clayton.

# published author   # lest we forget 2021