John Anderson was introduced by Bill Egnatoff, who has known John for many years, going back to a time when they were both studying physics at the University of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. John has a love of history, and in his retirement he volunteers as an interpreter at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
After John completed his undergraduate degree in physics, he went on to obtain a masters degree in aerospace engineering. He spent 40 years in Canadian defense research, and then 25 years working outside of the military. He has been volunteering at the museum for the past 11 years.
The Canadian War Museum is about Canadian history and how war has affected that. One should really visit the Museum of Canadian History in Gatineau as well, in order to get the whole picture.
Everyone should have a look at the material that John sent to Bill Egnatoff and was circulated to the whole membership. John felt disappointed that this year there was so little attention paid to VE Day. May 8th, 75 years ago was an important turning point in the war effort. World War II had a great impact on our economy and our history, both military and civilian. Have a look at Tim Cook’s video that was circulated through Bill. His spirit continues to animate the staff at the War Museum. People come from all over the world to visit the museum. It doesn’t glorify war as some might think. It’s about history.
Following John’s presentation a lively discussion ensued.
Bill Egnatoff talked about Joan being born in England because her father was serving there as mortuary assistant and her mother was a nurse. Bill said that his father was a post-war interpreter in Vienna, and at the time, his mother took a course in mechanics.
Following Greta’s question, John clarified that he was not a language interpreter at the museum, but rather an interpreter of the displays. There are four galleries that span 1000 years of history. John is stationed in the Cold War gallery.
John Richards asked about whether the museum is appropriate for children. In John’s experience, very young children don’t get much out of it, and even school groups of grades 5 or 6 don’t really have the capacity to interpret what they are seeing; only understanding that it is really important. He sees mainly grandparents bringing their grandchildren who see how important it is through their grandparents’ eyes. Greg Mumford felt that a lot depends on the individual child, as he as brought his grandchildren there, and found that it’s something that they could visit many times. He also found the interpreters to be very helpful.
Greta took her grandchildren aged 8 and 11 to sites in northern France. They were very taken by what they saw and actually didn’t want to leave the museums. John recommends that kids should be taken to sites in northern France and Belgium and the Netherlands. They appreciate the sacrifice that people made so long ago.
Ed remarked on other markers such as Memorial Hall within our own city hall. It was a time when Canada became a separate military entity.
John Gale mentioned that VE Day was a collective effort. Canada at that time finally got past religious divisions within our country and laid down a foundation for who we are now. Speaker John remarked that although war is terrible, it does stir the cultural pot.
Martin Thomas felt that this alluded to the way history is seen in different ways, and who is right depends upon what side of the river you are on. Does the recollection of history change over time? As an example, Martin talked about Sir John A’s image here in Kingston. Is it fair to view history from the present rather than the past? John’s answer to that was that it is opinion versus facts. Sir John A. has been seen by some as being anti First Nations, whereas he actually wanted to give them the vote, and had great respect for them.
Back to VE Day, it is important to not forget what happened. Some very pivotal things resulted in the outcome, and it could have gone the other way.
John Gale said that his father was in an anti-tank division during the war and was severely injured before D Day so he wasn’t able to participate. Then he volunteered for the Japan invasion which never happened because the USA bombed Japan and they surrendered. V.E. Day was not the end of the war.
Ed Thomson said that his father was in the Polish army, and his son, on visiting World War II sites was very touched by the way people still feel towards Canadians. John said that he has had the same experience. There are three major Canadian cemeteries in The Netherlands. School children regularly place flowers on the graves. It is part of their culture to remember.
Bill Egnatoff thanked John for speaking. We are still learning to live in a world of both war and peace, plenty and famine and enemies and friends.