A Remembrance Day message:
By Kootenay–Columbia MP David Wilks
Remembrance Day is a time when we honour the valour and sacrifices of Canadians who fought in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, on peacekeeping missions and in Afghanistan.
They defended our country and stood up for our values and our freedom.
I would like to particularly honour one individual for whom I have great respect and admiration. Mr. Bob Doratty, who is now 97, landed on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944 in the final push by our Canadian troops to liberate Europe from German occupation. Bob was 27 years old on that historic day. His platoon was one of the first to land on Juno Beach. He received a Commendation medal from General Montgomery.
Upon returning to Canada after the war he married his bride, Molly, and together they just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
There are not many veterans left from Juno Beach. As we approach Remembrance Day, I, along with all Canadians, will pay homage to all members, past and present, of the armed forces for their service.
I recently had the honour of presenting the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to Mr. Doratty and I would like to extend a special thanks to him for all he has done for Canada.
On Sunday the 11th, I hope you will join me in taking part in one of the many Remembrance Day ceremonies in our community. This year, I will be attending ceremonies in Golden.
And, to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces: on behalf of myself, my family, and the residents of Kootenay Columbia, thank you for your service.
Lest we forget.