David Grebstad
@davidgrebstad.bsky.social
Army officer. Amateur historian. Lifter of (light) weights. Writer of books. Husband. Red River Métis. Christian. Monarchist. All around nice guy. DavidGrebstad.ca
35 years ago today—Nov 10, 1990—this 150 lb teenager raised his right hand in the old Kenora Armouries and joined the Canadian Armed Forces. It’s been a wild, humbling ride. Still proud to serve—and maybe not done yet. 🇨🇦
November 10, 2025 at 9:25 AM
35 years ago today—Nov 10, 1990—this 150 lb teenager raised his right hand in the old Kenora Armouries and joined the Canadian Armed Forces. It’s been a wild, humbling ride. Still proud to serve—and maybe not done yet. 🇨🇦
Honoured to attend today’s NDHQ ceremony: LGen Mike Wright announced Indigenous beaded poppies are now approved for wear by all CAF members. Grateful to buy a handmade poppy from my colleague LCol Catherine Askew (Moose Cree First Nation), a CAF chaplain.
October 31, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Honoured to attend today’s NDHQ ceremony: LGen Mike Wright announced Indigenous beaded poppies are now approved for wear by all CAF members. Grateful to buy a handmade poppy from my colleague LCol Catherine Askew (Moose Cree First Nation), a CAF chaplain.
Today, October 25, marks what would have been the 110th birthday of Sergeant Tommy Prince, MM—one of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldiers. Let’s honour his courage, service, and enduring legacy. Lest we forget. 🇨🇦
October 25, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Today, October 25, marks what would have been the 110th birthday of Sergeant Tommy Prince, MM—one of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldiers. Let’s honour his courage, service, and enduring legacy. Lest we forget. 🇨🇦
Tonight’s the night! I hope to see you at the RCMI!
October 8, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Tonight’s the night! I hope to see you at the RCMI!
My hometown of Dryden, Ontario was named after Ken Dryden’s grandfather. He attended the 75th anniversary celebrations of the town’s incorporation in 1985 and 12 year old me nervously approached him for an autograph. We still have the book. #RIP
September 7, 2025 at 10:22 PM
My hometown of Dryden, Ontario was named after Ken Dryden’s grandfather. He attended the 75th anniversary celebrations of the town’s incorporation in 1985 and 12 year old me nervously approached him for an autograph. We still have the book. #RIP
Wishing everyone a very Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦
July 1, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Wishing everyone a very Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦
🪶 National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21
Today we recognize the deep roots, vibrant cultures, and enduring resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Let us commit—again—to walking the road of reconciliation with humility and purpose.
Today we recognize the deep roots, vibrant cultures, and enduring resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Let us commit—again—to walking the road of reconciliation with humility and purpose.
June 21, 2025 at 11:48 AM
🪶 National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21
Today we recognize the deep roots, vibrant cultures, and enduring resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Let us commit—again—to walking the road of reconciliation with humility and purpose.
Today we recognize the deep roots, vibrant cultures, and enduring resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Let us commit—again—to walking the road of reconciliation with humility and purpose.
On May 5, I had the honour of speaking at a solemn Red Dress Day gathering as Champion of the National Capital Region Defence Indigenous Advisory Group.
The red dresses speak for those who are missing and who’s absence testifies to a national crisis that continues today.
The red dresses speak for those who are missing and who’s absence testifies to a national crisis that continues today.
May 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
On May 5, I had the honour of speaking at a solemn Red Dress Day gathering as Champion of the National Capital Region Defence Indigenous Advisory Group.
The red dresses speak for those who are missing and who’s absence testifies to a national crisis that continues today.
The red dresses speak for those who are missing and who’s absence testifies to a national crisis that continues today.
Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Thank you for what you do!
May 11, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Thank you for what you do!
Red Dress Day
Today we remember.
We honour.
We stand in solidarity.
Each red dress is a life.
Each thread, a story.
Each gust of wind, a cry for justice.
Let this day stir not only grief—but action.
#RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #Reconciliation
Today we remember.
We honour.
We stand in solidarity.
Each red dress is a life.
Each thread, a story.
Each gust of wind, a cry for justice.
Let this day stir not only grief—but action.
#RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #Reconciliation
May 5, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Red Dress Day
Today we remember.
We honour.
We stand in solidarity.
Each red dress is a life.
Each thread, a story.
Each gust of wind, a cry for justice.
Let this day stir not only grief—but action.
#RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #Reconciliation
Today we remember.
We honour.
We stand in solidarity.
Each red dress is a life.
Each thread, a story.
Each gust of wind, a cry for justice.
Let this day stir not only grief—but action.
#RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #Reconciliation
Today is #BattleOfTheAtlantic Sunday.
From 1939–45, brave Canadians faced the longest battle of WWII—escorting convoys, braving U-boats, and turning the tide in the Atlantic.
They kept the sea lanes open.
They kept hope alive.
We remember them.
(Image: Rowley Murphy, Convoy in Rough Weather)
From 1939–45, brave Canadians faced the longest battle of WWII—escorting convoys, braving U-boats, and turning the tide in the Atlantic.
They kept the sea lanes open.
They kept hope alive.
We remember them.
(Image: Rowley Murphy, Convoy in Rough Weather)
May 4, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Today is #BattleOfTheAtlantic Sunday.
From 1939–45, brave Canadians faced the longest battle of WWII—escorting convoys, braving U-boats, and turning the tide in the Atlantic.
They kept the sea lanes open.
They kept hope alive.
We remember them.
(Image: Rowley Murphy, Convoy in Rough Weather)
From 1939–45, brave Canadians faced the longest battle of WWII—escorting convoys, braving U-boats, and turning the tide in the Atlantic.
They kept the sea lanes open.
They kept hope alive.
We remember them.
(Image: Rowley Murphy, Convoy in Rough Weather)
I was saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. While I am not Roman Catholic, I recognize how profoundly important he was to millions of faithful around the world. I hope that those mourning his loss find comfort in memories of his leadership. May he rest in peace.
April 21, 2025 at 10:51 AM
I was saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. While I am not Roman Catholic, I recognize how profoundly important he was to millions of faithful around the world. I hope that those mourning his loss find comfort in memories of his leadership. May he rest in peace.
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” — Luke 24:5–6
On Easter, the holiest day in the Christian calendar, I extend my warmest wishes to all who celebrate.
May your day be filled with joy, hope, and the peace that comes from the promise of redemption.
On Easter, the holiest day in the Christian calendar, I extend my warmest wishes to all who celebrate.
May your day be filled with joy, hope, and the peace that comes from the promise of redemption.
April 20, 2025 at 11:04 AM
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” — Luke 24:5–6
On Easter, the holiest day in the Christian calendar, I extend my warmest wishes to all who celebrate.
May your day be filled with joy, hope, and the peace that comes from the promise of redemption.
On Easter, the holiest day in the Christian calendar, I extend my warmest wishes to all who celebrate.
May your day be filled with joy, hope, and the peace that comes from the promise of redemption.
Holy Saturday — the nadir of the disciples’ faith. All seemed lost. Darkness, doubt, and fear pervaded. Yet victory and redemption were only a day away.
April 19, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Holy Saturday — the nadir of the disciples’ faith. All seemed lost. Darkness, doubt, and fear pervaded. Yet victory and redemption were only a day away.
Wishing all who observe Good Friday a meaningful day of reflection, peace, and renewal. May this time inspire hope and purpose in the days ahead.
April 18, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Wishing all who observe Good Friday a meaningful day of reflection, peace, and renewal. May this time inspire hope and purpose in the days ahead.
Wishing all who celebrate a joyful and meaningful Passover. May this sacred time of reflection, freedom, and renewal bring peace and blessings to you and your loved ones. Chag Pesach Sameach!
April 12, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Wishing all who celebrate a joyful and meaningful Passover. May this sacred time of reflection, freedom, and renewal bring peace and blessings to you and your loved ones. Chag Pesach Sameach!
Monday meditations.
April 7, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Monday meditations.
Dropping tomorrow! Sign up now for delivery directly into your inbox! davidwgrebstad.substack.com
March 22, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Dropping tomorrow! Sign up now for delivery directly into your inbox! davidwgrebstad.substack.com
We are now D-2 from the 80th anniversary of when “all hell broke loose.”
““A Calculated and Terrible Efficiency”” by David Grebstad scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol30/is...
““A Calculated and Terrible Efficiency”” by David Grebstad scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol30/is...
February 6, 2025 at 3:49 PM
We are now D-2 from the 80th anniversary of when “all hell broke loose.”
““A Calculated and Terrible Efficiency”” by David Grebstad scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol30/is...
““A Calculated and Terrible Efficiency”” by David Grebstad scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol30/is...
Neighbours helping neighbors. Kandahar, 2002. 🇨🇦🇺🇸
January 11, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Neighbours helping neighbors. Kandahar, 2002. 🇨🇦🇺🇸
Happy Thursday, everyone! I originally planned a long Zone 2 walk for #morningpt, but with a wind chill of “feels like -25,” I opted for a kettlebell cardio session at home instead. Always a great day to be #Canadian! 🇨🇦
January 9, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Happy Thursday, everyone! I originally planned a long Zone 2 walk for #morningpt, but with a wind chill of “feels like -25,” I opted for a kettlebell cardio session at home instead. Always a great day to be #Canadian! 🇨🇦
Wishing joy and peace to all who are celebrating #OrthodoxChristmas today. May your festivities be filled with love, happiness, and cherished traditions. Merry Christmas!
January 7, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Wishing joy and peace to all who are celebrating #OrthodoxChristmas today. May your festivities be filled with love, happiness, and cherished traditions. Merry Christmas!