Generally Speaking: The Memoirs of Major-General Richard Rohmer

MGen Rohmer is probably Canada's most decorated citizen. He writes in his typical sparse and witty style. MGen Rohmer details his somewhat dysfunctional childhood in 1920's and 30's Canada (there is even a brief American interlude). In typical Canadian fashion he is humble about his wartime experience as an RCAF Recon pilot. Maybe it is the voice of a now mature man recounting the wild exploits of youth. His discriptions of flying recce missions low and slow thru a flack filled sky are spin chilling. Rohmer was awarded the DFC after one of these missions. Rohmer returned from the war somewhat at a loss as to what he would now do with his life, as so many young men did after the war. He decided to return to school and soon graduated from university with a law degree. MGen Rohmer then embarked on a successful career as a real estate lawyer and political advisor. Rohmer was involved in many projects familiar to residents of the Toronto/ Southern Ontario region. Rohmer is a bit of a Don Quixote type tilting at windmills. He tells of his successes and failures. He is a man of vision and sometimes "big" ideas all in an effort for his fellow Canadians. He always speaks well of the people he has encountered in life, both the heroes and the villians. However his frustrations do come thru especially when dealing with myopic, obtuse politicians and the left wing hand wringers that dominate the Canadian media scene (most media in Canada seem to be embarrassed to be Canadians and celebrate Canada and its heroes and icons, they are the only ones outside of NKorea that believe that communism actually works and that Stalin was a swell guy who is misunderstood) Anyways......Rohmer has met many of the "rich and famous" and tells of his encounters with them. Often in a humorous manner. Kudos are due to MGen Rohmer for his efforts on behalf of his fellow D-Day veterans for the 60th anniversary celebrations. Without his efforts the Canadian government would have continued it's policy of neglect and denigration of WW2 veterans and the citizens who have honourable served Canada in times of war and in peace. MGen Rohmer does not speak much about his family life but it is apparent he is still in love with his wife of more than 50 years, love's and is proud of his children. Well worth the read which also provides a microcosm of recent Canadian history. He is man more Canadians should learn about. I hope MGen Rohmer has one more "windmill tilt" in him and revisits the Sir John A Macdonald project.