Youth Awareness of the Forces

Heroes Remember

Youth Awareness of the Forces

Transcript

It’s amazing sometimes, how often these young people will ask you a question, and you know that they are, some of them, are very much aware. Whether it’s because of what they hear on the radios or television or whatever. They’re aware of the Forces I guess maybe, somehow because for instance, I was in just in one shop the other day and one little, little thing, wasn’t very high. She happened to notice my Order of Canada. “Were you ever in the Forces?” and I said, “Yes.” and she said, “Well I’m honoured to know you.” you know she’s this high. She couldn’t have been more than twelve, eleven or twelve and I thought, “Well thank you very much. You... You know something about them?” She said, “Yes, I know about Veterans and I go to the parades and on to the cenotaph on Remembrance Day.” I said, “Well, that’s very, very right that you should do that and get all your friends to realize that we have to remember the people who have, that what we have in this country today is because of all the men who died and served their country.”

Description

Mrs. Walmsley tells us about her encounter with youth and the recognition and awareness of her military service.

Norma Walmsley

Norma Walmsley was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up there until she decided to join the military. In 1941, Ms. Walmsley became a member of the very first squadron of women that was recruited by the RCAF. Following basic training at Havergal College Manning Depot in Toronto, she received her first posting to #6 in Dunnivlle. Later she was commissioned and posted to Air Force Headquarters in Ottawa where she remained until the end of the war, holding the rank as Senior Officer in Charge of Womens Division Supplies for Canada and Overseas. After the service, Ms. Walmsley attended McGill University graduated and became a professor at Brandon College, serving as the Head of the Department of Political Science. Ms. Walmsley is credited for her active role in promoting student and community organizations and has a long history of services in respect to women’s role in society and Human Rights Development. In 1993, Ms. Walmsley was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. Her dedication and commitment has gained her presence and acceptance of many respectable awards within Canada.

Meta Data

Medium:: Video
Owner:: Veterans Affairs Canada
Duration:: 1:35
Person Interviewed:: Norma Walmsley
War, Conflict or Mission:: Second World War
Location/Theatre:: Canada
Branch:: Air Force
Units/Ship:: Royal Canadian Air Force Women's Division
Occupation:: Supply Officer

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Youth Awareness of the Forces

Heroes Remember