Remembrance Day
A day set aside to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom; to remember those who endured extreme hardship in fighting for our freedom. Wilfred Harold Eugene Ostlund (Uncle Bill) was one of the young fellows who suffered hardship in fighting for our country. In 1940 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving overseas in World War II. On one of his expeditions his plane was shot down. He was the lone survivor of a crew of seven. He was taken as a prisoner of war for two years. He would not talk about his days as a POW. Following is a postcard he sent to my maternal grandmother. His dad passed away earlier:
“Sun April 24 – 1944 Dear Folks – out of Hospital & in with some 50 Eng & Can Fellows – fairly comfortable and a nice bunch – took in show last night sponsored by Can’s. This morning went to church – prisoner of war life is what you make it and lots to do if you have the initiative – am studying salesmanship from books an various other books – tomorrow we receive Can. Red Cross Food parcel. They all say Canadian parcels are the best – 3 cheers for Canada – am getting some lost weight back with an enormous appetite which of course is limited – Love Wilfred” His postcard was sent from Germany, examined by D.B.
Uncle Bill died at the age of 95. Although he had some dark days in his life, he was an overcomer. He had been blessed with a praying mother.
Thanks for posting this, Mom. I will read it to my children next week for our Remembrance Week Commemoration.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's good to focus in one specific names and faces of people who've put their lives on the line for us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gwen,
Pam M.