From Communist Poland to Free Canada: Diana Klejne’s Journey
For Diana Klejne, Remembrance Day is a powerful reminder of the freedom she and her family now enjoy in Canada, a freedom they had long dreamed of. Growing up in communist Poland in the 1980s, Diana remembers how difficult life was under an oppressive regime. Essentials were rationed, and daily necessities like food were never guaranteed. Her mother and aunts would line up in hopes that food supplies hadn’t run out by the time they reached the front. Travel was also heavily restricted, yet Diana’s determined mother, against the odds, secured a tourist visa in 1987, enabling her to escape with Diana and her brother.
Diana’s mother, incredibly hardworking and resilient, took on any job she could find in Greece, where they lived as refugees for two years. She is the true hero of this story according to Diana. Without the support of a camp, Diana’s mother picked fruit and waitressed to provide for her family, showing an unwavering commitment to giving her children a better life. Meanwhile, Diana’s father had already emigrated to Canada, and finally, in 1989, Diana, her brother and mother were all en-route to London, Ontario, with only their backpacks and dreams for a brighter future.
Starting life in Canada came with its challenges—especially school, where Diana had to adjust without ESL programs, facing language barriers and the difficulty of making friends. Despite the hardships, her parents’ sacrifices inspired her to persevere. Today, as Diana looks back, Remembrance Day holds profound meaning, symbolizing the freedoms that her family now treasures thanks to the bravery of those who fought for Canada. Her story is a tribute to the resilience of newcomers and the gratitude felt for the opportunities that Canada offers.
Every day is a day to be thankful for those who gave all.
