Freedom. Sacrifice. Heroes.
Those are a few words that come to mind around Remembrance Day, but for Mission’s mayor, family is also top of mind at this time.
Ted Adlem calls himself a barrick rat, having attended 21 schools before he graduated Grade 12. His Dad made a career of serving in the military, and his family moved around a lot when he was growing up. They often relocated every six months and never settled in one place for more than two years. It was tough to make long-lasting friendships, but Adlem says he had a great life as a kid and wouldn’t trade his childhood for any other.
He learned about Canada by moving from one end to another and even spent two years in Yellowknife where he learned to survive in the cold. He also saw most of western Europe before he was out of school.
Adlem’s father was with the Canadian Forces for almost 30 years. He joined in 1939 and served in Holland in the Second World War. Adlem’s mom was also part of the Canadian Women Army Corp during WW II when she lived in Ontario.
The elder Adlem was a major when he retired in 1968 at the age of 47. He was dismissed at the Royal Westminster Regiment in Queens Park.
Mayor Adlem is grateful for people like his parents, and his uncle, who fought alongside his dad in Holland, for their contributions.
“People of my parents’ generation made it possible for people like myself, my kids and grandkids to not have to go out and die for our country because of war,” said Adlem.
“People of my father’s generation saved us from doing that, and created an economy for other generations to flourish in.”
Everyone who fought, and those who died in war need to be remembered for the sacrifice they made, added Adlem, who was honoured to rename part of Logan Avenue Veterans Way earlier this year.
Every year Adlem participates in Remembrance Day ceremonies and although his father passed away, he also finds time to attend the Royal Westminster Regiment mess dinner every year.