AIRMAN TALKING :: As much as these labels inspire me from a design point of view, their history tells a deeper story. They are a symbol of conversations between friends, hard times, good times and courage. My father-in-law was an Airman in the Canadian Armed Forces who was posted in England during the end of World War II. He shared many sad stories with me concerning losses during that terrible war. These labels represent positive moments during a difficult time. He carefully removed each beer label from the bottle as a reminder of a new friend and good conversation held in different pubs throughout England. What I find inspiring is that he took the time to mark each moment, realizing that they were special. Then he carefully stored all of the labels in his pay book (a pocket sized book each soldier carried with them at all times) for safe keeping.
Sadly, my father-in-law passed away recently. While sorting through his possessions we found his pay book and these labels. When I found out about what they represented, I couldn't help but be reminded about how courageous all of those soldiers were, and the major commitment and sacrifices they made.
Perhaps the next time you are out with family, or a good friend, or new friend and you are having a really good time, you might be inspired to mark it in your own special way...store it into memory and capture the moment. I know I will.
