Pride for the Regiment

Heroes Remember

Pride for the Regiment

Transcript

Well, you got quite an honour in your country, you know. I think we had more back then than they do now, in a way. They’re starting to bring the kids around to respecting their country and that, but it’s a long time coming. I was proud. I always talk about the thanks. I’m not ashamed of what I did. I was glad I did it, and they get an argument from me if they start to say anything about it. I’m proud I did it, proud of the regiment. It’s had a good name, ever since the Boer War. I’m not saying join up and that, but there comes a time when you’ got to respect the country you’re in. There’s a lot of people don’t respect any country. And you know, there’s a lot of damage and drugs and stuff like that. But no, they have the duty to do, and I would expect them to do it. For a while there, I didn’t go to the parades. And then I come out here and I’ve been to a couple. I went to this one here, and it was a sign of respect. Yeah it’s a sign of respect. You go down there and you remember You remember the guys you served with, and you remember the guys that’s not there. And the last post, and reveille, and that they play. And the two minutes of silence is kind of a little heart-wrenching. But as long as I can walk, I’ll go.

Description

Mr. Baker speaks about the respect we should have for our country and the importance of taking the time to reflect on the service that was given by all regiments during wartime service.

Thomas Baker

Mr. Baker was born in Pearson, Manitoba on October 3, 1923 into a family of six brothers and two sisters. While in Grade 9, Mr. Baker made the decision to quit school and join the army. Although his father was reluctant to let him go, Mr. Baker was determined to serve his country and joined the 14th Canadian Armoured Regiment, 1st Armoured Brigade (Calgary Tanks). During his service, Mr. Baker was wounded, but continued to serve until the end of war. In later years he was honoured as the “Poster Boy” for a local lottery draw held in Alberta - a special recognition and a great surprise to Mr. Baker. After the war, Mr. Baker moved to Toronto, Ontario, continued his education and began a 40 year career with General Electric.

Meta Data

Medium:: Video
Owner:: Veterans Affairs Canada
Duration:: 1:32
Person Interviewed:: Thomas Baker
War, Conflict or Mission:: Second World War
Location/Theatre:: Italy
Branch:: Army
Units/Ship:: 14th Canadian Armoured Regiment
Rank:: Tank Corp.

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Date modified:: 2019-06-20