Remembering my uncle

Allen Olimer

 

I always think of my great uncle Allen Olimer at this time of year.

A self-made man running his own store in Northern Ontario, Allen decided at 35 to serve his country.

He felt he could serve best as a cook and became a member of the 10th Armoured Regiment.

On Aug.  8, 1944 Allen was killed when the Americans mistakenly bombed their allies. It was a horrific day in which many lives were lost.

Below is the photo taken after the bombing on that day, courtesy of Fort Garry Horse Museum and Archives.

Thank you for your sacrifice Allen and to the many men and women who died for freedom. We remember all those who have died this day.

Letters remind us of pain of war

Allen Olimer

I have just received a great gift from a man related to the Olimer side of our family by marriage.

Thanks to Clark Hooten, I have precious letters my uncle Allen Olimer sent home from the front lines during World War II.

He was killed in August, 1944.

There is also a letter from Allen’s sister-in-law Violet, writing to let her family members know of his death. It is truly heartbreaking.

In reading the letters, I wonder if we have really learned anything about the horror of war?

The rhetoric from politicians and other world leaders leaves little doubt that the two world wars are fading from collective memory and the generations that fought in these wars can no longer convey the pain.

We must remind our leaders, every chance we get, that going to war is not an option.

From my great-aunt Vi to relatives in Bracebridge Ont.: “We just had some terrible news. Allen was killed in action Aug. 8. Further information when they have it. It is almost too much to bear. I would have phoned only I did not want to upset mother. Well there is not anything to say or do. Love Violet.”