Our Fathers' Footsteps
Where to buyInvite Don to speak
History · Non-fiction2021WWII

Our Fathers' Footsteps

Stories of WWII Veterans' "What If" Moments

Four ordinary men. One historic day. Inspired by Don's pilgrimage to Normandy for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, this book follows four soldiers who landed on those beaches on June 6, 1944 — and the "what if" moments that brought them home.

With the assistance of these men's families — using family history books, personal letters, journals, telegrams, and Regimental Diaries — these soldiers' ordeals are told with care. Each man was caught up in the extraordinary circumstances of a world at war. Yet they survived their "What If" moment, returning home to raise their families.

"As I wrote about these soldiers, I felt I got to know them personally, and realized I would have been proud to call each of them my friend." — Don Levers

From Normandy

In June 2024, Don travelled to Normandy with his daughter Jenn and granddaughter Sophie for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, presenting his father's military uniform to the D-Day Museum.

Jenn and Sophie on Juno Beach
The third and fourth generations of my family to walk on Juno Beach.
With veteran Jim Parks at the Juno Beach Centre
With surviving veteran Jim Parks at the Juno Beach Centre.
With Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, June 2024
Sharing a moment with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, June 2024.
Our Fathers' Footsteps at the Juno Beach Centre
Our Fathers' Footsteps on display at the Juno Beach Centre gift shop.
Presentation honouring Don's father's participation on D-Day
Honouring my father's participation on D-Day during the 80th-anniversary commemorations.
In Print

"Lost and Found" — an article on Don's Normandy journey, published in a French magazine. An English translation will be added here when available.

Interviews & Reactions

A curated list of press, podcasts, and broadcasts.

▶ YouTubeWatch: Don Levers on Our Fathers' Footsteps
  • Jun 2024Edmontonian travels to Normandy for 80th Anniversary of D-Day to present father's uniformGlobal News (video)Open
  • Jun 2024Edmonton author to present father's military uniform to D-Day Museum in NormandyCBC News (Politics)Open
  • Jun 2024D-Day, Normandy & the Second World War — featureCBC News (Politics)Open
  • Jun 2024D-Day video featureCBC PlayerOpen
  • Jun 2024D-Day interview (13:30 – 16:07)YouTubeOpen
  • Nov 11, 2022Remembrance Day interview with Ryan Jespersen and Marie Brown (from 46:00)Real Talk with Ryan JespersenOpen
  • 2021'What if' war stories for all readersSt. Albert GazetteOpen
  • 2021Our Fathers' Footsteps: Stories of World War 2 Veterans' "What If" MomentsGlobal News (video)Open
  • Nov 11, 2021Remembrance Day SpecialReal Talk with Ryan Jespersen (YouTube)Open
  • 2022Presentation — History NightRoyal Canadian Military Institute (YouTube)Open
  • 2022Winnipeg's If Day — interview starts at 55 minCJOB Mornings (Winnipeg)Open
  • 2022Our Fathers' Footsteps with Don LeversJuno Beach Centre PodcastOpen

See full press archive →

Where to buy

← Back to all books