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Since I began working for The Memory Project, a remark often made to me by veterans goes something like this: are you sure you would be interested in my story, I was a Wren, or I was not in the Canadian Army. Some are surprised to learn that our project seeks submissions from veterans of any nationality during the war, provided that they are now living in Canada.

I have interviewed many veterans of the British services, as well as one Polish veteran (from the 1st Polish Armoured Division, he provided valuable insight into Operation Totalize and other Canadian actions). As these limited examples suggest, the project has more outreach to do.

Certainly, other than Canadians, British veterans have proven the most numerous thus far. As Canada was closely aligned with Britain during the war and so many Canadians served under British command, this should not be surprising. Moreover, many of these veterans are actively involved in the Royal Canadian Legion and other organizations that we have worked with. What is surprising is that we do not hear more often from others. At Toronto Remembrance Day ceremonies, I have noticed the wreath layings for Chinese, Greek, Ukrainian, and other veterans. How may we do a better job of reaching these stories?  
    
This post was also prompted in part by my plans to interview a Soviet veteran, with the aid of a translator, whose contribution will be a welcome addition to the project. I have also received a request concerning a former German paratrooper – who saw action against the 1st Division at Ortona, among other places – but no interview has yet been scheduled. I have noted the lack of recrimination towards the Germans voiced by veterans I have interviewed, but I would welcome feedback on what it might mean to profile a veteran of the Axis forces on our site.