Times of War = Funny Hats

The night after Dave finished his final exam from his three week intensive class, we went to the National War Museum together as a family, plus Uncle Ibrahim. View my Christmas blog if you forget who he is. We like him a lot.

The architecture of the museum reflects that of an aircraft hanger, with impressive minimalistic angles. The building boasts of its sustainable design with a "green roof" of grass and is primarily made of concrete, which is highly energy efficient.

The Taking of Vimy Ridge, Easter Monday 1917- Painted by Richard Jack in 1919

  

I was indeed surprised on the vastness of the building, the exhibits went on and on with many hands on features for smaller children (and for ME). It starts off with these huge hallways that display famous paintings of various wars and even some aircraft art. The aircraft art was when pilots painted on their metal airplanes, either nicknames and cartoon characters or curvy pin-up girls.

After going down two long hallways of artwork we entered a large open room that featured every kind of tank, car, bike, truck, jeep, snowmobile, plane and even scooter possible. I was surprised to see that it wasn't just Canadian made vehicles but from all over the world, even some of those crazy Nazis.

Uncle Ibrahim is pushing sleeping Lewis while Dave is drooling over the tanks.

Tanks, tanks, everywhere tanks!!!

We wanted to see inside this tank as the little door was open. Unfortunately, it was difficult to make anything out as it was pitch black inside. 

Amazing what a camera with a flash can do in the dark.

 Then on the second level, the main level, there is an exhibit of every single war Canada has been involved in. Starting from before Canada was even a nation, through to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars that continue on today (even though we don't talk about them as much).


I took the test they gave to see if I would have been an eligible candidate to enter as a solider in WWI, assuming I was a man. I think I would have passed with flying colors, as they didn't expect too much.

One had to meet the height requirements, be able to see well enough, have proper arches in their feet and decent oral hygiene?? Okay...

Normal feet.

Yummy!

 I told you, I love me the fun interactive stuff in museums, perhaps that is why the Children's Museum is still my personal favorite. We started going through the Museum at 6pm because that is when parking is FREE on Thursday nights and entry is also free. Two hours was not enough time even to walk and glance at everything, let alone read all the information. I think we got up to the 1950's, Cold War era and had to boot it through the rest. We did spend a lot of time at WWI. They had a little side room that simulated what it would be like to live in a trench. It was dark, booming sounds, shouting and flickering lights. I got in character and Little Dragon didn't like it much. He's just a baby.

I am not an advocate of  war in the least bit. I think that war largely is a way for the rich and powerful to get even richer and more powerful at the cost of the blood, sweat and tears of the every-day working man/woman. Especially this so called war against "terrorism". Ugh! Don't even get me started with that.

With that being said, I still respect the men and women who give it their all to "defend" our country. I love being Canadian! Spending almost a week in the States made me realize even more how lucky i am to be Canadian and how Canada will always feel like home to me. NYC blog to come soon.

I never want this little guy to go to battle.

 O Canada! Our home and native land, true patriot love, in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts, we see thee rise, the true north strong and free. From far and wide, O Canada! We stand on guard for thee!

"HEAT- In August 2009, Louie Palu photographed these soldiers immediately following a foot patrol. In the summer, heat during the day can soar to 50-60 degrees Celsius, taking a severe toll on soldiers during operations." From left to right: Warrant Officer Jean-Francois Bastien, Private Patrice Bouillet and Master Corporal Marie Gionet.