Freedom Isn’t Free.

Memorial Day is for remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms- their lives. As I am preparing for another trip to Alaska in honor of those who served there, I am remembering those pilots in my grandfather’s squadron, RCAF 111 (F) and some in No. 14 (F), who did not make it back to their families when the war was over.

So as you are sleeping in, jumping in that pool or firing up that grill, stop and take a moment to remember those who made these luxuries possible. It IS because of the brave that we have these liberties. Freedom isn’t free. It is the most expensive thing of all. It costs lives. Let’s give it the respect it deserves.

Happy Memorial Day.

Note: after the Aleutian Campaign
both squadrons were sent overseas and re-designated: 111(F) Squadron to
440 FB (fighter bomber) and 14 (F) to 442 (F). Both played active
roles in preparation for the allied invasion of Europe and remained
there until the war ended in 1945.

F/O Leslie Ashburner, 23, St. Catherines, ONT
F/S Gordon Baird, 22, Shoal Lake, MB

S/L Kenneth Boomer DFC, AAM, 22, Vancouver, B.C.

F/O William Campbell, 22, Vancouver B. C
Sgt. Richard Christy, 19, Victoria, B.C.
F/O George Costello, 21, Stonewall, MB (second to last)

F/O Frank Crowley, 23, Brockville, ONT (second from the left)

F/O John Dewar, 21, London, ONT
F/L James Doak, 31, Cowansville, P.Q.
F/O Ronald Doidge, 20, Windsor, ONT
F/L Ian Dowling, 35, Brandford, ONT
F/L Odin Eskil, 27, Iron Mountain, MI
F/L Stanley Garside, 24, Edmonton, ALBA (standing center, dark life jacket)

F/L Jim Gohl AAM, 24, Roland, MB

F/L Clifford Hicks, 22, Crediton, ONT

F/L Arthur Jared, 27, Lansing, MI
S/L John Kerwin, 24, Belleview, ONT

F/S “Pop” Frank Lennon, 24, Clifton, NJ (first hammock)

F/O John Lippert, 22, Kitchner, ONT
F/S Stan Maxmen, 20, Moosejaw, SASK
F/O Ed Merkely, 25, St. Vital, MB (on the right)

F/L George Millar, 22, Winnipeg, MB

F/O William Peacock, 24, Noranda, P.Q.

S/L William Pentland, 27, Calgary, ALBT
Sgt. Charles Pierce, 25, Port Rowan, ONT
F/L Arnold Roseland, 22, Calgary, ALBT
F/O George Schwalm, 23, Tottenham, ONT (standing)

F/O Frank Skelly, 24, Kirkland Lake, ONT (second from the left)

Sgt. Doug Stapleton, 20, Hamiliton ONT
P/O Donald Sterling, 20, Ottawa, ONT
F/O Nicholus Stusiak, 24, Vancouver, B.C. (center with life jacket)

F/L Dufferin Wakling, 23, Brantford, ONT
P/O Dean Whiteside, 24, Waterville, KS