CHILDREN MADE IT WORTHWHILE

He sat there on the park bench

With his hands resting on the cane

His expression was sad and solemn

War memories, he could still feel the pain

Then he noticed children playing

Their laughter in the air

A smile appeared on that old man’s face

He saw someone that did care

Then the kids came over close to him

And stopped, he knew not why

Until he saw a little boy in the back

For some reason starting to cry

He called the young man over

And said don’t shed a tear

Tell me what’s the matter son

I really want to hear

The boy told him of his father

Being wounded in the war

He couldn’t understand at all

What the reason for fighting was for

A tear came to the old man’s eye

After hearing these subtle words

He remembered when he fought the war

And the reasons for it which he heard

What he was told then, right now did not make sense

And he paused to try to explain why

As he thought and thought for an answer

He could see why the little boy did cry

He tried to explain the word freedom

And is what his dad was fighting for

Sometimes there is no other option

But to fight for freedom by way of war

He asked the young man what he would do

To put an end to war

The little boy looked him right in the eyes

Live life, that is what life is for

The old man became choked up

As he looked into those eyes

For being such a small young boy

He seemed to be so wise.

He tried to explain wars a little bit further

How everyone thinks differently how we should live

And when lives of innocent people are threatened

Soldiers, if they have to, for freedom their lives they will give

He said it may not make sense

As I try to explain to you

How war was the only answer

To the freedom that we knew

People on either side

Really have no grudge to claim

How everyone wants to live a way

If it takes this for to proclaim

He then asked the boy a question

And that was if he was proud of his Dad

The young lad answered right away

He was the best Dad anyone had

The young boy then asked the soldier

What is now making you cry

The old man gave a weak smile

And looked up in the sky

He told the young boy what they talked about

And the comments he just said

Made everything he fought for worthwhile

And he spoke also for those who are dead

He said thank you young man for opening my eyes

I can now look around and smile

It looks like what I fought for in my war

Has made it all worthwhile

R. T. Spisak

Some Poems I WROTE:

Look Up

Look up

To those men who fought for freedom

Look up

To all that they have done

Look up

And just be grateful for freedom we have

Look up, yes, look up

Through all their months of rigorous training

Being taught just what they were to do

To overcome almost any situation

And most of all, to help them make it through

These Canadian Paratroopers, they were fearless

And when their final call for duty was made

They looked up to the aircraft that would carry them

To destinations for each Company that were laid

They left England on a mission each person was given

Their look back may be their last and final look over

The country they were leaving from and especially

In the distance a final look at the White Cliffs of Dover

Their only mission was to land behind enemy lines

To pave a way for ships that were on the way

They overtook towns and blew up four big bridges

To prevent Germans from reaching landings on D-Day

Despite the constant heavy artillery

Fear was something they just knew nothing of

They risked their lives for you and I and everyone

Knowing full well they may never see ones they love

The missions were thought to be impossible

But with their utter force and hopeful tenacity

They won for us the freedom that they fought for

And not for just you or me but everybody.

Look up

And think of these brave soldiers

Look up

And be grateful for what we have

Look up

And each day remember

They risked their lives indeed for what we have.

Remember those that lost their life for us

Remember those that are still alive

Don’t forget their purpose in this war

And that was to keep our precious freedom alive.

Look around

And thank those brave men and women still with us

Look up

And thank those men and women sacrificing their life

And let them know of our eternal gratitude

To live in a world of freedom instead of strife.

Look up oh yes, look up.

RTS

We Owe All Soldiers Respect for Our Freedom

Each day I read about soldiers

And the sacrifices each one made

For the freedom that we have today

Along with the important role they played.

Many soldiers go unnoticed

While we have freedom and a life to live

We are overlooking their sacrifices

Each soldier had to give.

These soldiers have been trained

To go through all war’s fights

To give us the freedom we have to day

Where we can practice all these rights.

But freedom seems to blind us

Of the sacrifices soldiers made

We overlook both the hero veterans

And those in the grave those heroes were laid.

Every morning that we wake up

It is to the freedom and peace so pleasant

This freedom was given to us

By brave soldiers no longer present.

When will we wake up though

And thank soldiers for erasing our fears?

We should everyday thank these soldiers

And for each one shed a tear.

We take for granted our free land

And on the wars that are being fought

We have no idea of their pain

For this freedom that they brought.

They brought to us a safe land

Protected from the vicious fight

That had to be fought in order for

Us to have the freedom and rights.

So what should we say to them

For all the work they have done

For our freedom of today

In the vicious wars they won.

Try to stop and think about

What the brave soldiers, both living and dead

Have shown in such bravery, just for you and I

And through all their blood they shed.

Freedom and peace is all we wanted

As we fought each and every war

We, being the brave soldiers

Knowing what sacrificing their lives was for.

So stop for a brief moment each day of your life

To appreciate what the soldiers give

To make your life of freedom

At a cost of them to die or live.

RTS

A Day to Remember

A day to remember

In our life of pleasure

A day the brave soldiers

Sacrificed their lives in a way we cannot measure

One day a year

We seem to recall

The hell they went through

For each one and all.

We have to address ourselves

If we should do more

For soldiers that lost their life

In each of these wars.

We should learn from our actions

And appreciate the past

So we don’t make the same mistakes

And duplicate the past.

When will we learn

To think of them each day

Those living and dead

Who had a large price to pay.

I hope they forgive us

As each day goes by

Lives sacrificed

For both you and I

The event may be solemn

And with a tear in my eye

I hope we acknowledge

The reason they died.

Each day you get up, you should thank them

For the freedom they gave

Where we can go on living,

But they are in their grave.

Also remember

Those soldiers that came home

How they have carried the burden

And all on their own.

For those that came home

I thank you too

For what war was like

Only you knew.

I think of you always

Not just once a year

And thank you for my freedom

As I shed another tear.

R. T. Spisak

Forgotten?

We seem to soon forget our soldiers

That fought in World War Two

Things today that we perceived back then as small

We forget, provided freedom for me and you.

It is not too late to honor

All these soldiers, dead or living

For their selfless sacrifices for us

They thought about nothing but freedom giving

The freedom that we have today

Which we seem to sorely overlook

What these soldiers went through

With their life at risk they took

I wish that there was something we could do

To show them our thanks, so they are truly seeing

Our true and sincere, from our hearts,

The thanks for their sacrificing their being

To give us the freedom we have today

Without these soldiers it may not have been

We must find a way to thank them

For this bloody war they did win.

This thanks is not just for the soldiers living

It is also for those soldiers who died

For what they did for our freedom, they should hold their heads high

For our freedom would not be here if it were not for those soldiers; dignified

Soldiers whose fought for freedom, even if it ended up they died.

RTS

Remembrance Day

That day each year where people gather

To pay tribute to soldiers living and dead

That risked their life for the freedom we have today

This single day of gratitude makes me shake my head

Why aren’t they remembered every day of the year

Why aren’t we open with them on what they have done

Why aren’t we interested year round to hear

What was done in the wars for our freedom to be won

I see veterans proudly wearing their medals

For the combat where risking their life was tested

But in today’s world people just walk on by

Making it look like they are just not interested

Where would we all be today

If it wasn’t for their lives being put on the line

In fighting for our freedom

Has this ever crossed anyone’s mind

A single day throughout the year

Is this all the thanks we have to give

To these bold and brave soldiers

Sacrificing their lives so we can live

Live in peace and harmony

With the freedom we have now to live

We have taken this freedom for granted

And we seem to have nothing back to give

Just look at the soldier’s face

And see the burden he carries alone

And always will unless we step up and show

These soldiers are not alone

Listen to what they went through

And try to put yourself in their place

Realize the pain and agony they go through each day

And understand that burdened look on their face

We need to lift this burden

By learning how they feel

That the wars over the last 70 years

Were indeed so very real

So when you see a soldier or a veteran

With a smile them do greet

Let them know you are proud of them

In the freedom wars they did defeat

Look into their lonely eyes with a smile

And make this smile play an important role

In how you show your gratitude for freedom

From your body, mind and soul

R. T. Spisak

Remember Me?

Remember Me?

The war in which I fought

For the current freedom

That you have now got

Remember Me?

I did not live

Through the war

To return home

To see my family once more

But, do you Remember Me?

Part of my role

Was to sacrifice and give

My life away

So to you freedom I could give

Once more, do you remember me?

Do you think of me every day

In the fight for freedom I was in

To pave a subtle path in life for you

By fighting until we did win

But do you remember me?

If you don’t remember me

On how the war was won

Just look around at the freedom you have

As you watch the morning sun

But do you remember me?

If you don’t remember me

To me that is quite OK

Giving my life for the freedom you have

Was worth the price I had to pay

I hope your life’s dreams

Have all come true

With the freedom you have

That was meant for you

I just ask a small favor from you

For all of us soldiers so that we

Feel your thoughts about us too

In helping you live in a world where you are free

For in this fight we thought of you

As time goes on

Memories fade

And we seem to be disappearing

In the shade

But don’t completely forget us

We don’t want to see another war

That is what we sacrificed our lives for

Think back of us with one thing in mind

To enjoy your freedom and you will find

You remember me, you remember me.

R. T. Spisak

Think of our brave soldiers

I feel a sense of shame

And tears begin to fill my eyes

For not thinking of our brave soldiers

All year round and I cannot figure why

These soldiers risked their lives for us

This happens day after day

So many brave soldiers have died in war

Which was a price they knew they may have to pay

This did not stop them from doing their task

Which was building freedom for you and me

This is not something we should remember once a year

We should be thankful each sunrise we see

Will we ever let these soldiers know

We think of them each day

To fight for us so our freedom

Will never be taken away

We are not where the war is

So we seem to take for granted we are free

From bloody wars and battles

For our freedom we will never see

When you see a soldier

Do you merely pass him by

Or do you thank him for the role he plays

In our freedom every day

We should try to put ourselves

In their shoes to see why

They have such a passion in the goal

To keep you and me alive

They volunteer to take the chance

Of never coming home

While playing their role to protect us

And feeling so all alone

We should weep each day for your safety

For the bravery that each of you give

In ensuring each day we will have freedom

And enjoy the life we live

We wish we could do something in return

To let you know it is always you we are thinking of

And besides our daily prayer for your safety

Somehow let you feel this indescribable love

Now we should awake each morning

And look at the rising sun

Thinking about the freedom that we have

With the reason being you’re the one

To sacrifice your life

No matter what comes your way

Our gratitude cannot be put into words

But we will try to thank you day by day

R. T. Spisak

Have You Ever Thanked a Soldier

Have you ever thought about

Our luxurious lifestyle in a way

Where you recognize that your freedom

Was due to the soldiers whose life they paid

We look at things about us

And we just don’t understand

The freedom that we have today

Involved our soldiers in great demand

We wake up every morning

With a purpose to our life

That we have the privilege to fulfill

Meanwhile seeming to forget the soldiers’ strife

To give us the freedom we have

The soldiers so richly feel we deserve

So shouldn’t we every day think of them

In how our freedom they try to reserve

We seem to watch what is going on

With these brave soldiers at war

But at the same time cannot feel

Their pain and utter horror

We see war veterans and soldiers

But we seem to pass them by

Without saying thanks to them for our freedom

And is the reason there is a tear in their eye

People may come up with an excuse

Not knowing what to say

When in essence it is simple

To just thank them for the freedom we have today

There are many soldiers that lost their life

As a risk to ensure our freedom so much insisted

Have many people thought much of them at all

Or even knew these brave men even existed

I’ve met veterans from WWII

That were open and ready to voice

The things they went through for you and me

And how the fight for freedom was no choice

They left their home and family

Just for you and me

Why we aren’t recognizing them more for this

For the life of me I cannot see

Especially those that lost their life

For in today’s world this interest is just not shown

In how a man or woman sacrificed their life

To give us life in replace of their own

Then there are those that survived the war

And their target was such a feat

Yet some of these same people

Out of dignity are on the street

When you look them in the eyes

You can tell they are still in pain

Especially when no one talks to them

Once more they feel further pain again

My father was a 1st Canadian Paratrooper

That landed on D-Day

He was there for 27 days and wounded

But he never told me of the role he played

Soldiers carry a pain

That we will never feel

But talking to these soldiers

May slowly help them heal

The scar that these soldiers got

From being through the war

Their talking and us listening

Is what our ears are for

We need to hear what they went through

So by their talking will help release

A description of the Hell they went through

So maybe once more with themselves feel at peace

My father did not talk to us about war

But he was strong for it did not show

The pain I had an idea he went through

Was something that only he will truly ever know

When you put yourself in their shoes

Knowing that you may take one’s life

You would question what have you done

For he has a Mother and Father, Brothers and a Wife

This would constantly go through your mind

Questioning if what you did was right

There will never be an answer

And the consequence is beyond our sight

For the war the soldiers fought for

At the time may have made sense

But now have turned themselves over to God

And now their actions are mere relents

In order to keep peace

We were required to fight

And as you think that through

Something is just not right

So when you see a soldier

Try to understand the turmoil in life they face

Be there to support him or her

And show that our freedom we so sincerely embrace

If you can get a veteran to smile

You have done a small but worthwhile part

To show appreciation for what they did

By showing it with a true open heart

R. T. Spisak

Poppy – Lest We Forget - Nov. 11

It is once again the Poppy pins are out to raise money

For our brave veterans and the price each did pay

What bothers me is it is just once a year

Instead of remembering these soldiers each day

To look into these soldiers eyes

And see the pain and suffering they can’t shake

The freedom we have now, today

Is what these soldiers put their life own at stake

For them to be remembered only once a year

Does not from us truly show

Our gratitude for our freedom every day

Creating additional burden and their pain continues to grow

If we just took time to shake their hand

And thank them for what they had done

Acknowledging we wouldn’t have the freedom we have

If the war they fought was not won

Listen to what they went through

For their fight for you and me

To help make us appreciate more

Our freedom and also help us see

The pain that they are going through

Made up of horrible war memories

Not being able to forgive themselves

For reasons we just can’t see

But if we talk and listen

To what they had done for you and me

This may help lift some of their guilt

And let them once more feel free

Again, to talk to them and listen

May bring a smile upon their face

Despite the hell they went through

And in their minds will never erase

They have to be at peace within

To lift the burden they carry now

And that is where we all pitch in

To let each of them know

We are grateful for what we have today

And is the reason for the smile on our face

It will help them be at peace with themselves

And this burden may in time erase

All of this same holds true to soldiers today

In countries across the sea

With one sole goal to accomplish

Being the freedom for you and me

Many soldiers have lost their life

And there are many wounded too

Those soldiers making it back with horrific memories

All carry a burden for me and you

Try talking to these brave soldiers

Even those that have not yet fought

And remember their one goal in life

Is for the freedom we have got

We have to find a way somehow

To let current Soldiers plus Veterans become aware

We are always thinking of them

And if they need us we will always be there

When this one day a year is dedicated

To soldiers living and dead

Let us at least this one day show respect

By taking time to bow our head

When we needed you

You were there

Now when you need us

Please make us aware

R. T. Spisak

To Watch the Children Show Respect

While visiting the graves of our soldiers long ago

I saw children put a small Canadian Flag on each grave

To remember the soldiers who fought for our freedom

These soldiers oh so brave

One child had a tear in his eye

While in the soft wind one of his flags did blow

I asked if it was someone in the family

But he said it was for no one he did know

I became emotional myself

Hearing these subtle words

Seeing the young man show his emotions

On a soldier of whom he had never heard

I asked if he came here every year

To honor those soldiers that died

To give us the freedom we have right now

Now me with a tear like he had in his eye

He said he never knew the soldiers

That he wept for so long ago

But for all of these brave soldiers

He was merely trying to show

The thanks that each of them deserved

And let them know they were not forgot

About the battles for our freedom

They so bravely fought

He asked me why I was there

Which put me on the spot

My emotions began to surface

For these soldiers I also had not forgot

As I stood there another tear came to my eye

And the young man looked up at me

Saying thank you for showing that you care

And showing your feelings on how we are free

I wept even more deep within

Not knowing what to say

When he said we all have to realize

The important role these soldiers play

I told him my father’s grave was close

But not just where there are soldier’s graves

He said you must be proud of him

Because of all the lives he saved

He asked me about my father’s duty

And did he tell me about it or ever say

I told him my father never talked about it

And the important role I found out he played

Explained the research I had done

To learn about what he went through

Told him of the medals he earned

In his freedom fight for me and you

The young lad asked if I was proud

Of my father and his role in war

Tried to explain how proud I was

In our freedom he was fighting for

I told him how most of the “enemy”

Were merely human like you and me this day

And how when he met one enemy, they looked at each other

And both just went the opposite way

There were German Soldiers forced to fight

If not, they would lose their being

Then there were those that did not care

And took lives for no reason and seeing

The loss of a life meant nothing to them

Which made no sense in the war

They didn’t see what their true meaning was

And what the fighting was for

Each side of the war had a purpose

And who was to say who was right

But when German’s ruthless action was taken

In the millions of people that were smite

It gave purpose for my father to be there

Which was to try to put an end to war

And once again give freedom

To the people he was fighting for

He carried a heavy burden

Of the Hell that he went through

To give the freedom of today

To everyone including me and you

His burden I will never know of

Including being shot in both his knees

The only thing he talked about

Was to make these innocent people free

He went through twenty seven days of fierce combat

And it was the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion he was in

Had only one objective and that was

For them this war to win

I had my father’s medals with me

And let him see them shine so clear

Just looking at the young child’s face

I could see another tear

I asked him why he had another tear

And he looked up at me, this child so small

He said that tear was for my father

Just like he shed a tear for all

He felt we owe all of these soldiers

A tear for what they went through

Those here in the honorable gravesite

And those of whom we never knew

He looked down at the soldier’s grave

And once more shed a small tear

Saying out loud to the tombstone

Without you I wouldn’t be here

I shed a tear along with him

And how he felt about our soldiers brave

We stood there silent with our heads down

Thanking him for the freedom we have

He then thanked me for sharing

What I told him soldiers had to go through

With a simple one goal task

Which was the freedom for me and you

I told him there is so much we don’t know

Of what these soldiers did for our freedom to gain

Those living will silently carry this burden

Every day along with their indescribable pain

The emotions shown by this young man

Opened my eyes so I could see

There are people of today

Truly remembering the battle for us to be free

R. T. Spisak

One Day a Year

Is one day a year a way to truly show

Our gratitude for soldiers being brave

This is not just for the living

But also for those in their grave

Shouldn’t we thank them every day

For the hell that they went through

In their fight for freedom

For everyone, including me and you

It is hard to even grasp

What they faced each day at war

Giving me all the more reason

To thank these soldiers even more

Look around you every day

And you can feel the freedom in the air

All made possible for us

By brave soldiers who really care

I cry inside with sorrow

For the soldiers whose lives were lost

This also went for those living in pain

For our freedom this pain is what it cost

When you see a soldier

You feel at ease with the life you live

For it is these brave soldiers

Knowing the sacrifice they will give

For our true freedom of today

Some never give it a second thought

About the living and dead soldiers

That sacrificed their life for the freedom that we have got

How can we truly thank them

And let them know we think of them every day

For their sacrificing their lives for us

In their fight for freedom and their life they may have to pay

Soldiers, I am thinking of you

And how your lives you sacrifice

To give us the freedom that we have

I just wish there was something I could do to further entice

Other people to also thank you for the freedom

And the protection that you give

Letting us experience freedom

In the freedom in life you give

R. T. Spisak

I read the daily paper

I read the daily paper

It is filled with crimes, wars and violence

I shake my head in utter shame

As the actions make no sense

We try to picture ourselves as civilized

But if this is truly so

Why is the world the way it is

That is one thing I want to know

Everybody has their rights

But to flaunt them and expect everyone to follow

Give the impression and not just to me

Their self-worth is very hollow

The young children that are made into soldiers

Gives a good impression of

The way some countries just want to fight

Instead of showing to each other love

For these children I show compassion

And fear that how they are being lead

Will end up in an innocent child

In their short life ending up dead

No one will morn this child’s loss

The fighting will continue with hatred, not love

Trying to protect a purpose

That no one truly has a clue of

I fear the day will soon be here

Through our wars made up of hate

Where the world will lean towards distinction

And to make changes in our behavior much too late

I see children playing

And with such innocent smiles upon their face

It just boggles the mind all the more

How we are working on destroying the human race

A child may be our only hope

To understand our purpose for being

Along with that we may even be able

To see what a child is seeing

Look at the children all about

And ask yourself if adults are really right

Children look to live and play each day

While adults appear to want nothing to do but fight

We seem to fight with our eyes closed

Not caring of the purpose of war

It is time we started to open our eyes

To what we are doing and the purpose our fighting is for

If we stopped thought it out

On what was causing war

We may actually with open eyes

Put a final end to war

It sounds too easy right now I guess

So we will carry on and caper

Continuing to provide sad news once more

To show up in our daily paper

R. T. Spisak

WHY REMEMBER JUST ONCE A YEAR

Remembrance Day November 11

Of each and every year

Is where we try to pay our tribute

To those soldiers no longer here

It is also for those brave soldiers

Living today in a hidden pain and fear

We try to show appreciation

But it doesn’t eliminate their tears

Only the soldiers in the wars

Knew the pain and agony

They had to persevere

For freedom for you and me

This is a special day

Set up to thank those living and dead

But why can’t we show thanks every day

I can’t get this through my head

I wear pins that honor

Our brave soldiers every day

I even get frowned upon

Showing appreciation for what the soldiers had to pay

I think of war veterans

Along with soldiers of today

From those out fighting the wars right now

To those training for down the way

Despite the frowns that come my way

I hope they think this through

One day a year is not enough

To show them thanks from me and you

To them I give my utmost respect

With thanks for the freedom they did earn

Thinking of them each and every day

Makes me feel we may have something to learn

We have to recognize what they fought for

And somehow we have to learn

These wars to never occur again

And our freedom we have to earn

Not by violent fighting

Which is a thing I hope is of the past

There has to be something to eliminate war

And learning from our history make it last

So if you see me wearing

Pins honoring our brave soldiers dead or living

This is merely a token of gratitude

Towards those brave soldiers whose lives they were giving

It is also for Veterans of today

And those even just being trained

The simple thought of what they are risking for us

Makes the meaning for wearing the pins more sustained

Wearing the pins is a thank you

For any soldier that may see

So please do not get upset

In my thanking you for my being free

All soldiers should be proud

Of the duties they portray

And not just November 11

They should be proud each and every day

R. T. Spisak

MY INTERVIEW WITH DIXON CHRISTIE IS ON YOUTUBE UNDER INTERVIEWS WITH PEOPLE OF THE 1ST CANADIAN PARACHUTE BATTALION

The interview** with Dixon Christie is under Battle Scars in YouTube.** My interview was rather unique as it wasn’t from the soldier’s side; it was from the family side of a Paratrooper. I can’t help but wonder what my father would think of the research I did on his military background. As I mentioned before I wish he could have lived a few more years so I could go over all the books I have read not to mention the two where his picture is shown. Here I am babbling on hindsite and cannot change the chain of events leading me up to finding out about Dad after he passed away. I must move on as dwelling on the possibilities doesn’t change a thing.

Provide poems to soldiers and veterans to rise funds for them

I have been communicating with Dixon Christie regarding donating the poems to the military so they could raise money for our veterans and soldiers. Awaiting an e-mail back on whether he thinks this will fly. If not I will contact someone in Ottawa and keep doing it until someone shows the interest to raise funds for the Veterans and soldiers. Time will tell and I am giving it my best shot and once more I personally want nothing out of this. They can even put Unknown Author if they wish for it is merely a small token of appreciation for the freedom I have to day.

June 06, 1944

D-Day, June 06 seems to be merely another day of the year to most people. There are a lot of forgotten soldiers that risked their life for the freedom we have today and the soldiers of today are once again protecting our freedom. They seem to be working in the background, quietly and with one goal in mind and that is the freedom we seem to sorely take for granted these days.

I drive around in the city and from what I see people do there seems to be a lost connection to how they live their life after what the soldiers have done for us. Too many things seem to be taken for granted and adds insult to what our Veterans had done for us.

I look around me each day and feel grateful to be able to live in a country where we are free from being run by dictatorship. I have the privilege to embark in fulfilling my own dreams and aspirations. In the process of doing this I think back of our Veterans and silently thank them for the country they bestowed.

June 06 is a tearful day for me for I see the war Veterans shedding a tear for what only they know of. I try to put myself in their shoes and picture doing what was necessary in the war. This is where the thought of your “enemy” comes into the picture and maybe the Veterans are questioning whether what they did was truly right. This is something only the Veteran and God know about. There are assumptions from our generation on why they shed a tear but that is all they are, assumptions.

When you look at a soldier you see pain. When a soldier looks at you it is with a look of accomplishment in protecting you at whatever cost. You should feel happy for the freedom you have but this is where a sincere thanks to the soldiers is shown on your face when you recognize a bit of the pain they are feeling.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED?

Have you ever wondered

As you look into the soldiers’ eyes

What they went through for our freedom

We will never be able to surmise

We will never know the truth

That each soldier faced

The memories of what they truly did

From their minds cannot be erased

Their goal for us was accomplished

And now that their job is done

They seem to fade away to oblivion

Seeming to be remembered by no one

They witnessed lives being taken away

No words can describe the pain

Yet for you and me they carried on

Fighting for our protection once again

For those soldiers lucky to live through wars

Suffered and are very much deep down scarred

They seem to be alright to us

But every day of their civilian life is very hard

One cannot put into words

How a soldier truly feels inside

After fighting for our freedom

This freedom we should humbly abide

Soldiers want to talk about

What they did for you and me

But they just cannot seem to put into words

What they did to make us free

This is where we play the role

And it is such a simple part

We thank the soldiers for everything they did for our freedom

And let them know it is from the bottom of our heart

R. T. SPISAK

We became closer in a series of events

I had a medical condition resulting in an operation on May 19, 1967. In one of his letters he mentioned to me that he was stationed in Montreal for around four weeks. None of the history I have on him points this out. It appears the history I was provided with was very brief and lacked the information I wanted to know more about. What Company was he with at the take off? Was he with the Headquarters Battalion? Where did he land and what did he do for the 27 days leading up to him being injured? Where did he land? The list of questions could go on and on.

I was very fortunate to be referred to Jan de Vries (and his loving wife Joanne de Vries). Like I said in the past they provided information his family and we siblings never knew about.

I am constantly checking out the book store for books related to the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. All I have come across over the last three years was American related. There is no disrespect for the American soldiers but what about our elite Canadian soldiers. Again, in that era maybe the goals were accomplished and the soldiers returned to carry on where they left off. The soldiers were tougher and able to leave behind the hell they went through. There are soldiers back then that I am sure what they went through crossed their minds many times but were able to suppress them. This is where Dad did not let this interfere with his bringing us up. I just wish he had talked to me about what he went through to help lift the burden he was carrying. Unfortunately he passed away not telling us what he did for 27 days after landing on D-Day. From what I have found out I feel nothing but pride for his role in WWII.

Another Poem:

IS THIS ANOTHER TEST

There was something touching in my life

On how my brother and sister and I were raised

The fun we had with Dad somehow

I feel within for him nothing but pure praise

The days he took us fishing

Out in the wilderness

Seemed to be in my life

The days that were the best

We roughed it up while camping

At times freezing yet in a warm way

Just to be out there with him

I could handle come what may

He taught us how to handle the camping

And never showed a sign he was cold

This takes me back to thinking of him and what it was like

When he was a 1st Canadian Paratrooper so bold

The camping that we did may have brought memory

Of the harsh expectations demanded from him

Things seemed rough for us kids

But it was something he could handle in a whim

Was he trying to give us a taste

Of what he had to go through

And answer the questions we had asked

By trying to give us a clue

As I look back at life

In the things I remember doing with Dad

I wish I had understood his means

For not understanding I feel so sad

I remember constantly asking him

Of the purpose of his life at war

And ask what he had to do

And what his medals were for

It seems he tried to explain to us once

But the doubt that we seemed to show

Maybe made him feel inside

That no one truly wanted to know

I remember asking certain questions

And he answered with his heart over and over again

But when I asked these questions once more

It left him unable to share his War pain

The feats he had to accomplish

To me did not seem real

This is where his talking about his role in War

To him seemed like no big deal

If we had listened to what he said

And believed everything was so

Dad may have expanded even more

And passed on more for us to know

I remember asking how many enemy he shot

And if any of them ended up dead

This is where Dad told us

He just shot over their head

Finding out he was in the Vickers Platoon

Painted a picture for me to see

Why he didn’t want to talk about it

Thinking Germans also had a family

I reminisce camping along the Highwood River

It rained every day and it still makes me shiver

Him being in the tent while Joe and I tried to start a fire

He laughed at how we tried our best but quiver

When we got back in the tent

Even though the floor was soaking wet

I remember the good time I had

And look back with no regret

Dad, you tried to explain your role in war

And I am sorry for all my doubt

Here I am in my sixties

Find in small pieces what you went through was all about

The message that I received

In our camping days long ago

Is finally sinking in now

In what you were trying to show

As being a paratrooper

And what you had to do

The obstacles you had to face

I am beginning to understand more about you

Unfortunately the most I learned

Was when you passed away

But as each day goes by

I more understand the way

You didn’t talk straight out

About your role in war

You even yourself learned a lesson

On what living your life is for

You had so many ups and downs

But you always got back on your feet

Teaching me one of the biggest lessons

And that is all problems you defeat

What you did as a Paratrooper

Is what was expected of you

You should have no shame for

You did what you had to do

You are like many other soldiers

That find it difficult to justify

The role they played in the war

Deciding if someone lives or dies

This helps me understand more

Why you were not in the legion like many

To take the life of anyone

Makes little sense, if any

You were a true Father

That with Mom, of us took good care

Living like a normal family

With the love you sincerely shared

Things are falling into place

The truth was my big strive

I just wish I could have thanked you

For the Father you were while still alive

R. T. Spisak

I SIT HERE IN SILENCE

I sit here in silence

After hearing a war song

I know wars can be prevented

Where have we gone wrong

For those soldiers that gave their life

In order for our lives we can live

There has to be something in return

That to these soldiers and veterans we can give

We have Remembrance Day

But that is it, it’s just a day

Why can’t we remember them all year round

That is what I say

To see the tears in their eyes

On Remembrance Day

What is going through their minds

No one will be able to say

Could it be for the loss of our men

Or could it also be for the loss of our enemies’ lives too

For they also had families like ourselves

And is this guilt for what we did do

We had to fight for freedom

And with freedom comes the pain

Of the Hell both countries went through

And we don’t want to see it again

It seems history repeats itself

Like there is nothing we can do

But this is where we should learn from the past

And prevent wars from happening; me and you

This may seem hard to do

But remember wars in the past

So we don’t duplicate our errors

And shoot for peace to last

As you take this step remember the brave

That tried to give us the freedom in which we live

And most importantly is to remember

Those soldiers’ lives, for this, they did give

Wipe the tears from the soldiers face

That is all I am asking and I ask with grace

R. T. Spisak

SOLDIERS THEN AND NOW

Each war each soldier fought in

Be it WWl, WWll, right up to now

Each tried to give us freedom

No matter when or how

They put their life right on the line

To make sure of our freedom and indeed

Maintain this freedom for us

So in our life from this callous life we stay freed

They are a far away across the ocean

But do we show we ever think of them

Their keeping us constantly in mind

About our freedom once again

The soldiers are always silent

And their missions are carried through

Once more I emphasize for the freedom

That they give to me and you

How do we bow our heads

For those that sacrificed their being

So we can live in peace

So what is it we are not seeing

Have we given thanks to those

Willing to sacrifice their lives

Do we show appreciation

For the sacrificing they did give

Looking at how people live today

I would say the answer is no

For people are not giving moral support

Because there is so much we don’t know

About their daily battle

Not only to keep themselves alive

But also they are fighting

For husbands, children and wives

So when you see a soldier

Hold your head up high

Show your pride in what they are doing for you

Soldiers still living and those who died

Soldiers do not want to fight

They think of innocent people around

And when children run up to our soldiers

More reason an answer to fighting must be found

The soldiers showing compassion

To the children and feel their pain

Making it even harder

Their duties to sustain

We need to think of a way

That peace can be obtained

Without the loss of more innocent lives

We have to feel restrained

This is required from both sides

Of who are fighting war

Just try to remember again the war to end

It is the children we are doing this for

R. T. Spisak

This is a clip from the interview where I had the pleasure of talking to your right honorable Russ Dixon who was in Company B. He remembers dad and further emphasized the Battalion was a tight knit group of men supporting one another. I had him hold dad’s medals in a picture taken of the two of us as it meant more to me to have someone dad knew hold the medals. He gave me Eugene Sanford’s phone number, who was also in the Vickers Platoon like Dad. In following up and meeting Eugene Sanford he tells me of how he remembers Dad. I had the pleasure to meet another person while meeting with Eugene, Susie Anderson, daughter of Boyd Anderson who was in the Company B. Dad was in the Head Quarters Division – Vickers Platoon while these other two men were in Company B and both held captive about a week after landing on D-Day. As I talked to Eugene, a lady came forward and told me of her role in World War II. It appears there are a lot of people out there that are waiting for people such as me to talk to them of their role in World War II. I never dream there were so many forgotten soldiers. When are we going to step up and show true interest in all of these men and women soldiers that fought for the freedom we have today. I am going to continue to dig for more information on my father and anyone else I meet along the way.

There are many pictures missing that make up this book. Have to learn how to add Images.

Joseph Spisak Jr.