Exhibit Stories
Enjoy a selection of stories from our travelling exhibit, War: In Pieces.
Thank You for Your Service
My son, who was standing in front of me, turned around, shook my hand, and thanked me.
Attar
A thought struck me as we left; I turned towards the Major with a parting comment: “Sir, you know the guy you threw in jail? You might want to let him out …”
Close Call
I have never spoken about this to anyone, not even my family, in the 65 years since it happened. I’ve had bad dreams about it frequently, and the dream always ends with an explosion and sudden anxiety, which awaken me.
Small World
We aimed the cannon at the machine gun in the church tower. VERY tense. The standoff lasted four days.
Haji don't Surf
The patches are ubiquitous, but seldom see the light of day up here in Kabul as they’re considered too aggressive or politically incorrect.
The Letter
I got her letter this weekend, in August 2017. Mom brought it and said “Oh, and I found this. Not sure what this letter is about, I think it’s for you…” I was shaking. That letter was addressed to me 24 years ago.
One in Each Arm
We were met by an ocean of little faces, all smiling and yelling. None of us brought enough chocolate or candy to go around but gave out what we could and each of us wished we could do more.
Can You See My Watch?
I could just listen to the ticking and it was enough to take me away from Afghanistan.
The Locket
In 1993 during the Croatian and Serbian War, there was a little known battle that is now referred to as the "Battle of the Medak Pocket."
Woollen Smiles
If there was one wish I could give you in return, it would be for you all to experience not only the smile of a child, but the smile you created in the life of a soldier. In a world so consumed by hatred, there is always time to smile.
Sage Advice
My "then Warrant Officer" had written this letter to me after we were separated for nearly a month. Within the first month of our arrival into Ma'Sum Ghar, my troop was separated. Half of them were under my command conducting Quick Reaction Force duties while the other half was with my Warrant Officer, conducting surveillance and security duties in an area called Gorgan.
The Cribbage Game
This tranquility ended abruptly with a loud whoosh and thunderous boom as the night lit up with a large orange ball from an explosion, 150 meters from where I lay. It was a five hundred pound laser-guided American bomb. We had been hit by "friendly fire."
Bosnian Flag
The Bosnian Flag was given as a special gift for the evenings I spent teaching English as a second language in Bosnia in 1994 and 1995.
A Farewell Party!
“Never have so many fled so fast wearing so little!” Early the following morning we flew out from Kimpo Airfield, en route to Japan. Farewell Korea!”
The Currency Exchange Afghanistan
The guys loved watching me buy back all of their Canadian Tire money with U.S. dollars!
The Bicycle Crankset
This bicycle crankset represents my transition to post-military life, and it’s a reminder that my experience in Afghanistan will always be part of me.
Before. After.
I gave it a dull glance and poured it down the drain like all the befores, which will never come after.
Subcategories
2023 Workshop
These narratives from the Veterans' Writing Workshop offer a unique and heartfelt glimpse into the lives of our veterans, showcasing their resilience, sacrifices, and the diverse paths they walk.
Additional stories can be found in the published anthology, A Mile Their Boots.