Kai Helsdon participated in Hamilton’s annual Remembrance Day service wearing a unique vintage medic uniform from the Queen’s Own Rifles, a regiment based in Toronto during World War II. His attire resembled that of a medic from D-Day, transporting onlookers back to June 6, 1944, the day of the Normandy invasion.
As a resident of Hamilton, Helsdon considers himself a “living historian” who aims to engage others in war history by assembling and donning historical outfits. He believes that conventional history lessons often overlook individual stories and smaller events that can captivate and evoke empathy in people. For example, he once had to educate his high school history teacher about the presence of German submarines in the St. Lawrence River, a detail he finds intriguing and thinks others would too.
Expressing his dedication to honoring veterans, Helsdon, who is medically unfit for modern military service, explained that his family members fought in both world wars. Wearing his vintage uniform on Remembrance Day serves as a tribute to past and present veterans who sacrificed for the country’s service.
The solemn ceremony held on Tuesday morning at Gore Park was organized by the Hamilton Veterans Committee and featured a reflection by Captain Padre Yuri Hladio, along with musical performances by military musicians, the Dundas Concert Band, and the Healthy Aboriginal Men’s Drum Circle. Attendees gathered around the cenotaph, laying wreaths to honor the fallen.
While awaiting the ceremony, Helsdon attracted curious onlookers who stopped to admire his uniform. He mentioned that most of his attire, except for the jacket, was original and sourced from various online platforms. Describing the contents of his uniform, he highlighted items like his medical armband, medical shell dressing bag, lightweight gas mask, and a basic canteen.
Notably, a passerby, Kevin Blaine Gorham, a former supply technician with the Canadian Forces who served in Afghanistan, used the occasion to reflect on colleagues who died by suicide after returning from deployments. Gorham emphasized the importance of remembering these hidden aspects of Canadian war history.
Research published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology in 2014 revealed an increased suicide risk among Canadian veterans of the war in Afghanistan after their release from service. Gorham expressed sadness over the fact that some individuals feel suicide is their only option.
For those struggling or in need of support, resources such as the Suicide Crisis Helpline and crisis centers provided by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention are available to offer assistance during challenging times.