When I worked at Veterans Affairs Canada many years ago, we used to say, “Every day is Remembrance Day!” So even though I am posting this a week after November 11, the small display I created in my kitchen is still up, and I am still remembering those who served…and all who suffered.

Some of the lesser known aspects of WWII are told in three novels for young people by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. Stolen Child, Making Bombs for Hitler and Underground Soldier have each won recognition for the skillful use of fiction to teach us about history.

In 2004, I had the privilege of interviewing Kateryna (Kijak) Gellner and later created a radio documentary called Hungry all the Time. It recounts her experiences as a slave labourer in a factory in Nazi Germany during World War II. Whenever I listen to it, I’m reminded not to take too much for granted. I invite you to listen to it, as well.  Click here.