In an impassioned 35-minute address, Campbell spoke of long, dark years negotiating an excruciating recovery rife with obstacles, potholes and setbacks. He described how soldiers with equivalent injuries were better compensated if they were wounded before the New Veterans Charter changed payout packages in 2006.
While many forget McCrae’s lifelong excellence as a clinician and veteran, even less is known about the soldier whose funeral inspired his iconic poem. That solider was Alexis Hannum Helmer, a 22-year-old lieutenant of the 1st Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery
4 June 1940 The evacuation from Dunkirk is completed. Six Canadians die in the battle. 5 June 1981 The first case of AIDS is reported.
5 May 1862 Mexico repels the French forces of Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla, a victory now celebrated as the national holiday Cinco
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An informative primer on Canada’s crucial role in the Normandy landing, June 6, 1944.
