BRING THEM ON HOME

There are many ways to measure the costs of war. Over 66,000 Canadians lost their lives on the battlefields of Europe. Some 172,000 were wounded, many permanently.

The brutal realities of war meant that those who had served, especially as soldiers on the front lines, bore the physical and emotional scars of war.

Coming home could be a difficult experience. Similar to departure, soldiers were often welcomed home with a parade featuring music by the local citizens’ band. But after the fanfare, where would they go and what would they do next?

Pictured right: This banner was used to decorate the train station in Orangeville to welcome home returning soldiers. It was saved by Mary Dodds, the wife of returning soldier James “Calvin” Dodds. Museum of Dufferin Collection, A209-200.