Message to the Youth

Heroes Remember

Message to the Youth

Interviewer: If you could speak to the young people of today about duty and obligations, what would you say to them? Get your education first... but go, but go, you know if we have to, if it means liberty, you have to go. Interviewer: Remembrance Day, November 11th, what does this day mean to you? Well I kind of enjoyed it this the last few. I've been laying the wreath and most of my grandchildren are, and my own children are coming to these, this event and it kind of does something for me, you know. I promised them this was the last one because it was too tough this year, too tiring.

Mr. McGee says education is important but if your country needs you, then do what you can to help. He also explains what Remembrance Day means to him.

John McGee

Mr. John McGee was born in Saskatchewan, on May 3, 1923, and comes from a family of two brothers and three sisters. He now resides in Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife and family. Mr. McGee joined the army and left for wartime service with a group of thirteen men. Although very excited to be going overseas, he recalls the sight of seeing young men jumping overboard when the ship began to sail; the fear of the unknown was causing many to turn back and stay at home! Mr. McGee was determined to go and serve his country. Mr. McGee shares with us his personal experience of being captured as a Hong Kong prisoner of war (POW) and hardships he endured at the camp. He considers himself very fortunate to be alive today, as many of his friends were left behind. After six years of serving in the army, Mr. McGee returned home to be what he terms an "Entrepreneur" buying a few hotels and later on getting into the sales business. Civilian life was a very positive outcome for a soldier who had endured such hard times and poor health during his time in the prisoner of war camps.