I was born in Scotland one month before the end of the War in Europe. Growing up, I learned from my parents and my older siblings (in words and photos) the terror of the Nazi Blitz, and the bravery of The Few during the Battle of Britain. They told me about hordes of Nazi aircraft flying over our village enroute to bomb the shipbuilding yards in Glasgow – and seeing some of these invaders crashing to earth in flames as close as a mile from our village.
These stories inspired me as a young lad to become a fighter pilot – to defend freedom- which I did. When I was nine, our family moved to a new home in Calgary, Alberta. Eight years later, I arrived at Royal Roads, having met all requirements for ROTP and RCAF Aircrew/Pilot selection.
I share this bit of personal history because you will face a world full of uncertainty and chaos – a world like the one my parents and the free world faced. Today there are disturbing signs of the growth of totalitarian regimes that threaten the democracies of the world. We see authoritarian leaders whose ethics and actions are the antithesis of the values – Truth Duty Valour – that you, the Graduating Class, must uphold as you take up the Profession of Arms in defence of Canada, in defence of freedom.
On behalf of the Class of 1966, I congratulate each of you on completing the unique and demanding development of your knowledge and skills of leadership. I also wish you every success in your military career, and in other leadership endeavours you may take up during your life.
Sincerely,
7073 Jim Thomson
Class 66 Secretary
