After long years at war on the European battlefields, the surviving Canadian soldiers finally returned home to their families and friends. To welcome and acknowledge the soldiers for their bravery and strength for representing their country, the citizens celebrated with parades and ceremonies all across the nation. It was a joyous time, as everyone was happy and glad to be home. However, the celebrations didn’t last for too long, as the returning soldiers were faced with many different problems upon their arrival.
After the war, the soldiers returned to Canada to find very few opportunities available. The men thought they would be able to continue with their jobs prior to war, although, they were mistaken. During this period, Canada provided a very little amount of money, limited employment and support to the returning veterans. Rather than being rewarded for their hard work and sacrifices throughout long years of war, they returned to poor post-war conditions. The veterans suffered through a tough time, as many lined up and waited for any available employment opportunities. There were so many demilitarized soldiers that the government was unable to support thousands of them, as the country was coming out of a war-time economy.
Not only were thousands of veterans stripped of their jobs and searching for employment, but were wounded, as they had suffered from injuries throughout the war. Many soldiers were in desperate need of physical treatment and medical support, but were not taken care of. As previously stated, the government did not support all demilitarized soldiers, as many were on their own. Those who suffered from diseases or weakening illnesses faced a great deal of rejection, as they continuously fought and pleaded for treatment. The lack of the government’s support towards returning Canadian soldiers upset and harmed many citizens, as they returned to pitiful post-war conditions.
The poor post-war conditions that thousands of veterans dealt with was unbearable, as many decided to act upon the situation. Many joined labour acts, as they were desperate to accept any form of employment. Thousands of men joined various different organizations, such as the Winnipeg General Strike or the Great War Veterans Association. Veterans were desperate to contribute to improving their living conditions, as they strived to receive support and employment. The demilitarized soldiers just wanted their old lives back with Canada’s booming economy, that was prior to the Great War. Thousands of families across the nation had suffered through this period, as times were tough and veterans’ wages were low or simply nonexistent.
In addition to the employment unavailability and limited governmental support, veterans were gone from their homes for an incredibly long period of time. Families had to cope with the absence of men, as many women lived without husbands and children lived without fathers. Thousands of families were devastated to discover the post-war death of their husbands/fathers, while others were fortunately blessed upon their arrival. The surviving men had to re-familiarize themselves with and get to know their families again, as their absence was lengthy and difficult to cope with, for everyone.
In conclusion, the veterans who had risked and sacrificed so much to fight for their country had come home to depressing and poor post-war conditions, as they were treated unfairly, lacking of governmental support and opportunities. The veterans should have been acknowledged and rewarded for their bravery of contributing to long years of war, rather than returning to such poor and devastating conditions.
victoriagimelfarb 