Saturday, July 19, 2025
HomeFeaturesVeteran offers simple explanation for wartime service

Veteran offers simple explanation for wartime service

Published on

Leo Phillips tells a story about a soldier, just 24, who lost his right leg, right arm, right eye and his right ear while in combat. Yet when he is asked what message the wounded soldier wanted to pass on to his family and friends in Canada, all the young man said was, “Thank you.”

For the past eight years, around Remembrance Day, Major Phillips has told students at schools this kind of story.

“That tells you the character of Canadians. That’s what we represent…that’s sacrifice,” Phillips said. “Sometimes the younger generation doesn’t understand sacrifice.”

Phillips shares from his experiences as a deputy administration officer. When Phillips asked the wounded soldier why all he said was thank you, the man responded in kind.

“Thank you for letting me come over and try and do something good,” he said.

Phillips, 51, regularly offers talks to students about his experiences serving in the armed forces as well as talking about the importance and significance of commemorating Remembrance Day.

“Why should we remember?” he asks. “These are young men… Talk about courage. Courage to do … something you aren’t sure you’re coming back from. While you’re over there, you’re going to see the most horrific things you can imagine.”

He wants to ensure Remembrance Day is observed and not just for the sacrifices of soldiers.

“It’s not just remembering those who fought in the war. It’s remembering their families. … For every hundred soldiers that have died, that’s a hundred families that have sacrificed,” Phillips said. “If you see a veteran…please just take a second of your time to say, ‘Thank you.’”

Learn about Centennial College's School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design

Latest articles

Ti-Cats rout Argos as QB Mitchell shines on historic night

Hamilton Tiger-Cats roared to a 51-38 win over the host Toronto Argonauts on Friday...

Ti-Cats hand Argos fourth loss in five games

Bo Levi Mitchell threw for five touchdowns and passed a big career milestone as...

What does it mean to be trans and Canadian?

Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest places in the world to be transgender, but trans people say they still remain vigilant.

Young Canadians have a different view now of driving, instructor says

For generations, getting a driver’s license was seen as a rite of passage, a symbol of independence and adulthood.

More like this

Golden Mile and Weston-Mount Dennis: How ILEO supports community-led change

Two neighbourhoods — Golden Mile in Scarborough and Weston-Mount Dennis in the city’s west end — are quietly reshaping what inclusive redevelopment could mean for Toronto’s future. 

United Way supports women by changing the narrative 

Annually, United Way grants $10 million to a diverse network of about 90 programs dedicated to serving women.

The how, where and why of volunteering at United Way

If you’ve ever considered volunteering, the process may seem difficult to navigate, or even overwhelming. United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) offers a variety of engagement opportunities that make your commitment worth it.