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Angeline80 — HOMELESS CANADIAN VETERANS
#canadian #homeless #masculine #soldiers #veteran #warriors #aiart #ai_art #aiartwork #ai_artwork #ai_artworks
Published: 2023-03-10 17:47:09 +0000 UTC; Views: 607; Favourites: 5; Downloads: 0
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"You're a natural," William grinned after the meeting was over, pausing only to shake the hands of the parents arriving to gather their children.
"After tonight I think I am in the wrong department.” Kavan grinned, a twinkle in his eyes, “Being a cadet leader is not what I had expected."
“You’re welcome to join us any time. The kids enjoyed having you tonight as well. Look, I know it isn’t exactly my place, but have you ever thought of going home?”
“To Sudbury?” Kavan leaned against the railing.
“No, Ireland. You must get homesick.”
Kavan looked away, a distant look in his clear eyes.
“Of course, well, my heart will always belong in Ireland, but I believe that right now my place is here. There is much to do. One day, I will return home and that is where my body will be laid to rest unless, of course, we go to war again…”
A heaviness, unspoken, hung between the two men.
“I have been thinking about something, but I think you might think me crazy.”
“You? Crazy?” William chuckled.
“Hear me out,” Kavan grew serious once more. “I am deeply troubled by the treatment of our veterans. You know what it was like in Afghanistan. We were killed for nothing. When I was there we never faced the enemy but were killed nonetheless by roadside bombs. We did not have an honorable death in the heat of battle.
Those who managed to return to Canada are laying on the streets, homeless. Ignored. Their service and sacrifice are disregarded. It boils my blood to see housing and funds given to refugees without question while our men are left homeless. Where is the justice in that? It might sound like I am a traitor, but you of all people know I am not…”
“Of course Kavan. You are one of the most honorable men I have met. Your dedication to being a signalman and captain, well, you know much I admire you and value our friendship. Look, I understand and have felt much the same way, but not everyone feels like us and I’m really not sure what we could do about it.”
Kavan rubbed the bridge of his nose, deep in thought.
“I’d like to do a social experiment and then show my findings to your cadets. I want to show them, through video and my own experience, that being in the army is more than just giving your life in battle. That is only the glory. What happens when you return? Will you be on the streets as well? It is a possibility. These wars leave scars, many invisible. Wounds none see. They too may dedicate their lives to this country, only to have Canada turn their backs on them.”
“I like the idea, Kavan. Have you thought it through? It sounds as though you have been thinking about this for some time. What do you propose to do?”
Kavan straightened his shoulders, turning to look into William’s hazel eyes.
“I’m going to go undercover. I have the next few weeks off. It won’t take long, really. I will grow out my beard and stay on the streets as a veteran. I’ve purchased a hidden camera. Look, I believe this is important. Once I prove what is happening, even in our own city, we can show the cadets, perhaps more. We can fight back…”
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