Ken Carlson, 94, is a resident of the George Derby Centre and a veteran from the Second World War.
He was moved to write this poem about his experiences at the care home and the ongoing financial crisis.
This is an abridged version of his poem.
George Derby Centre is where I live.
This is the place where nurses give
Care and comfort to us aging vets.
It is about as good as it gets.
This place was built less than 30 years ago
As a residence for longtime care for vets to go.
Now it seems that there are many others there
Non-vets who enjoy the same special care.
Funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs
Was for vets, but now every resident shares
The benefits that were designated for we who survive
After going to wars and offering Canada our lives.
It is a shame to say that we vets are being displaced
As we grow older, and fewer, we are being replaced
With civilian patients who are now being served
With what those veterans so earnestly deserved.
Our leisure time is restricted, our Saturday pub and fun
Our weaving and painting time is being undone
The staffing has been cut, and the hours amended
Closing the Artworks Studio seems to be intended.
Saturday pub days have been curtailed, which is sad
Many visitors came, visits which made us all glad
And with it the 50-50 draw which was council’s revenue
Used to finance sound systems, and aquariums for me and you.
It doesn’t seem right, and I am here to say
Keep the studio open, it is the major way
To rehabilitate those who need to find
A way to maintain a sound working mind.
Please remember the reason this place was built.
It was for those who offered their lives. No guilt
Was attached to killing the foe. There were no regrets
But now we are denigrating the service of the vets.
Our needs are many, but we vets are so few
We are being shuttled aside without much ado.
The management just doesn’t appear to understand
That the veterans brought them freedom in this land.
Many promises were made, when we were at war
We would for our lifetimes be well cared for.
The new generation does not know about that
And now those promises are falling flat.
