2012
Hanging Out with Canadian Heroes
Written by: Danielle Takacs
In some instances, there are scenarios you just can’t relate to unless you live through them to really understand them. I think the Canadian military is one of them. We all hear the stories of the family type bonds that are made, the training that is required, and the love of the job that some people find very hard to appreciate.
The Canadian military exhibition at the CNE definitely gives us a look into the life of the military (navy, air force and army), however brief our time touring the exhibit may be. I advise at least an hour to properly tour all of the different “booths.” One can easily find the tanks, planes and Howitzers on display (and you can go inside several of them), but there is a lot more than the bronze on display.
Under the watchful and supportive eye of officers, children are encouraged to try out a mini obstacle training course. Try loading up with 90lbs of military gear and do a few exercises (I did and was successful!). Meet a few officers who have actually lived through a “hurt locker” or watch some of the excellent videos aboard the military bus to learn the real training involved and about how one’s university degree in math, medicine, engineering, language is applied. And meet a few Canadian reservists, many of whom are Aboriginal and First Nations, and learn about the service they provide to Canadians and Canada.
Meeting the officers is very easy, as they are very welcoming and encouraging. To see young men and women in these positions, and see them interact with each other, recalling stories with their mates, meeting people of all ages, I can see how the phrase, “the military will make you a man (or woman)” resonates.
