The words and music for "The Proud Canadian Soldier" were written by Jay Willis, a retired Canadian Forces Naval Lieutenant.  Jay has been writing and performing his original material since the age of 16 and has won several song-writing awards.

Jay Willis was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. He joined the Canadian Forces as a Private in 1979, and did a United Nations Peacekeeping tour in Cyprus with the Third Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.  Upon graduating university in 1986, he was granted his commission, and served as a Naval Logistics Officer until his retirement from Regular Force military service in 2000.  After a brief tour in the Reserves he returned home in 2003 to Edmonton, where he is currently enjoying life as a 'civilian' singer-songwriter. 

Originally inspired by a parade of  Remembrance Day veterans, "The Proud Canadian Soldier" is dedicated, Jay says, "... to the memory of my father, who signed up at age 17 and sailed during the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II; to the memory of all our veterans, and as well, to all our currently serving military members.  In order to do this,  the song includes an honour roll of Canada's battles and campaigns - including some of the ones we lost - right up to our present-day peacekeeping missions.  It is my sincerest wish that this song will help future generations celebrate our veterans - to help them remember the sacrifices that were made."

You can hear more of Jay's original material at www.jayanthonywillis.com.