Dr. Eric McGeer discusses the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, with Joseph Planta; they also discuss The Great War’s significance on how it shaped Canada, as well the losses on both sides in terms of blood and treasure.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

As we mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, I’m joined now by Eric McGeer, who is the author of an upcoming book, Varsity’s Soldiers, a look at the role of Canadian universities in military recruitment between 1914 and 1968. The Great War’s significance on Canada, shaping it and its peoples, is important to consider as we mark this notable anniversary. I’ll get Dr. McGeer to tell us about what Canada was like before, during and after the World War I, as well as how the country has come to commemorate it. We’ll also discuss the losses, and how that impacted so many people at home and abroad. Eric McGeer holds a PhD from the Université de Montreal, and he teaches at the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto. He is the author of Canada’s Dream Shall Be Of Them, Words and Valediction, and Remembrance: Canadian Epitaphs of the Second World War, as well as several books on warfare and law. Varsity’s Soldiers will be available from University of Toronto Press in April. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, in Toronto, Eric McGeer; Dr. McGeer, good morning.

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