At a time of great sacrifice in Canadian history, we are welcomed into the homes, the hearts, and the minds of mothers, sons, fathers, and friends as we follow Syd Smith and his high-school brotherhood of 13 when they answer the call to duty in 1941. Written with his son, David, Lifting the Silence is also a father-and-son journey of discovery that uncovers a remarkable letter that serves as testament to what still defines Canada today.

Postmarked "France August 1946," the fragile letter bares the soul of a people beaten down by cruel times and extols their admiration and gratitude for Canada as a nation of spiritual and economic resources that helped them out so much during the war. Within the letter as well, a heartfelt and strikingly prophetic expression of hope to once again receive the downed pilot they had sheltered in 1942.

As if by Providence, this letter now serves to reunite Syd with his angel of the French Resistance 61 years later.

David Scott Smith is an artist, writer, filmmaker, and graduate of Canada's world renowned Sheridan College Classical Animation Program. His past writing has been in the form of screenplays and storyboarding for major motion picture studios. He now lives in Los Angeles.

David Scott Smith's profile page

Sydney Percival Smith served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and returned to graduate from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. Retiring after 40 years of practising in Northern and Southern Ontario, he now lives in Kitchener, Ontario.

Sydney Percival Smith's profile page

This is a true personal history that reads more like an adventure novel...Sydney Smith died in Aug 2010 but not before collaborating with his son David to write this thoroughly enjoyable book.

Airforce magazine