AUTUMN GLORY
RAF PILOT, DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS RECIPIENT
There’s no denying it’s a wonderful time of year here in Canada, with emerging fall colours reaching their peak and family gatherings taking place in rural towns and big cities across the country—in celebration of a good harvest or Thanksgiving, or simply to get together for a final farewell to summer. With so many Our Canada readers out there enjoying the changing colours, we’re blessed with an abundance of amazing seasonal images and stories to share with you.
For starters, turn to page 8 for “Following the Foliage,” our photo-essay selection for this issue, submitted by Cindy Mulvihill of Low, Que. Cindy shares her love for the Gatineau Hills region, a love that grows exponentially every year as autumn works its magic. (By the way, that’s one of Cindy’s stunning photos gracing our cover.) While you’re at it, check out the timely and unique photo feature called “Free Falling” starting on page 44, which pays homage to our mighty maple leaf and shines a spotlight on six talented contributors. For a taste of fall on the Prairies, flip over to Our Travels, beginning on page 20.
As autumn settles in, the war in Ukraine rages on and those of you with family members or ancestral roots in the besieged country continue to show your support for the Ukrainian people. Many of your fellow readers are doing so, too, as evidenced by the steady stream of letters and story submissions we receive about the tragedy. See Cause for Applause on page 16 for a recent selection, and thank you, everyone, for choosing to share your stories, thoughts and emotions with the Our Canada community. A final note: With Remembrance Day approaching, veterans and their supporters might enjoy “More Profiles in Courage” in the upcoming November issue of More of Our Canada.
It can also be viewed online at rd.ca/courage.
Stewart was born on Oct. 6, 1924 in Innisfail, Alta., and was raised in the Horseshoe Lake District. While serving his country, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross award with the 12th Squadron of the RAF stationed in Wickenby, England.
“I wanted to do my part. The war would have come to Canada if we didn’t go over there.”
Humbled for having received such a prestigious honour, he said, “I don’t know why I received the DFC. I just did my job. There were many more who should have received one.” After the war, Stewart returned home and worked for the town of Innisfail. He later married and worked at the Bowden Penitentiary for 36 years as a provincial government administration officer. He passed away on Oct. 9, 2010.
To view video interviews with Canadian war vets, visit https://vetvoicecan.org