Latest news with #Legion
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
UK's oldest WW2 veteran receives freedom honour
The UK's oldest surviving World War Two veteran has been awarded the Freedom of Erewash. Donald Rose, who is also the UK's oldest man aged 110, was honoured by Erewash's youngest ever mayor, 25-year-old Harry Atkinson, at a ceremony at his care home in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Atkinson said it was a "privilege" to present the award to the veteran. Receiving the award, Mr Rose said it was "great" and "very nice to see all the people" at the small event. "I want to say thank you very much for coming to see me," he said. "I didn't do anything that anybody else wouldn't have done." His son, David Rose, said he was proud of his dad, adding: "Bearing in mind what he's been through, it's quite something, and he's still here to tell the tale. "You start telling [his] story and you get a lump in your throat. All I can say is I'm extremely proud of the man. "Thank you to the council, greatly appreciated, and he deserves it. He also praised the work of the British Legion for supporting veterans like his father. Paul Scott, John Sewell and Paul Jarvis from the Ilkeston and Long Eaton branches of the Legion attended the ceremony. Harry Atkinson said veterans like Donald "need recognising". "We've had a generation of people that served in WW2," he said. "Some gave the ultimate sacrifice. "This is in recognition of not just Donald but to them as well. They allowed us the freedoms that we have today. "If anything, it's a shame that it's taken us this long. 110 is a bit too long I think!" The leader of the council James Dawson said it was a unanimous decision of the authority to award Donald the freedom of the borough. "It's the highest honour that any local authority can bestow," he said. "It is in recognition of Donald and his service, but also [a] special things in this 80th year of VE day and VJ day. "People who took part, people like Donald, we have to treasure the time we have with them." Mr Rose was born in Westcott in Surrey on 24 December 1914. He joined the Queen's Royal Regiment at the age of 25 and went on to train as a sniper. He served in North Africa and Europe and puts his longevity down to salty water he had to drink during his time as a Desert Rat. Mr Rose, who turned 110 last December, enjoyed a wartime-themed party at the care home where he lives in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, for VE day anniversary celebrations earlier this month. Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. UK's oldest WW2 veteran endorsed for freedom honour UK's oldest WW2 veteran on BBC VE Day 80 special Spitfire flypast for UK's oldest WW2 veteran UK's oldest man to celebrate 110th birthday UK's oldest D-Day veteran to join anniversary event Erewash Borough Council
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sask. Legions cancel meetings for group that wants sovereignty referendum
The Royal Canadian Legion won't allow a group pushing for a sovereignty referendum in Saskatchewan to hold meetings in Legion halls. Unified Grassroots is encouraging people to sign a petition calling for a referendum on a sovereign Saskatchewan. Its website says the purpose of the referendum would be "to empower the provincial government to negotiate new terms for Saskatchewan's relationship whether as part of Canada or as an independent nation." In an email to CBC News, the provincial executive director of the Legion's Saskatchewan Command, Chad Wagner, said Unified Grassroots's "public calls for actions like Saskatchewan separation, and therefore their events, do not align with the Legion's founding principles and the promotion of Canadian unity." Nadine Ness, the president and founder of Unified Grassroots, said the town halls are about more sovereignty for Saskatchewan — which could still be within a united Canada. "It's teaching people about the democratic processes that we have in our country," she said. "So people either want this to be a democratic country or they want this to be an authoritarian country." Unified Grassroots had planned to hold eight of its upcoming town hall meetings in Legion halls across Saskatchewan, including in Prince Albert, Meadow Lake, Humboldt, Nipawin, Weyburn and Estevan. Those events have now been cancelled by the Legion. Ness said she learned about the cancellations from the local Legion halls she had booked. She said one told her this directive came from Saskatchewan Command, while another said it came from Dominion (or national) Command. Ness said she has asked for an explanation, but as of early Thursday afternoon, she had not heard from either of them. "They won't return my calls," she said. "They have my phone number. They never once reached out to us to even see what it was about." In the emailed response to CBC News, Wagner said each branch of the Legion has autonomy, but the branches must be run in line with the Legion's core principles. Wagner said the Legion "simply reminded" its branches of its policies. He said groups like Unified Grassroots are not within the Legion's objectives, thus the events were cancelled, adding the Legion will not entertain an event that encourages or promotes separation. In a video on social media, Ness said the word "separation" doesn't appear in advertising for the town halls, but acknowledged separation is one of several possible outcomes of her group's efforts. "We don't know what the outcome is," she said. "We're going to try to do everything we can so that it doesn't get to separation, but it is still on the table." In her interview with CBC News, Ness said her group is now receiving invitations from across the province to host town hall meetings in quonsets and barns.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Royal Canadian Legion joins Veterans Affairs Canada at the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
OTTAWA, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Royal Canadian Legion shared the history of how Canada's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier came to be, during a special Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) event in Ottawa this morning. The story was part of the commemoration that took place on May 28th – the same day the soldier was originally interred in the final resting place at the site of the National War Memorial in Ottawa, in the year 2000. Legion Grand President, Vice-Admiral (Ret'd) Larry Murray, who was deputy minister of VAC at the time, spoke on behalf of the Legion about the great collaboration. 'I recall the thoughtful deliberations, the selfless efforts and the superb teamwork by all involved during the planning and preparation phases,' he shared. VAdm (Ret'd) Murray also noted how significant the tomb remains today, with busloads of students and others visiting throughout the year, and as a site of deep reflection at Canada's National Remembrance Day Ceremony; afterwards, attendees often place their lapel Poppies of Remembrance on the tomb. Brigadier-General (Ret'd) Duane Daly is a former Legion Dominion Secretary (now referred to as National Executive Director) and the tomb's project director. He, and past Dominion President the late Chuck Murphy, were instrumental in making things happen. BGen (Ret'd) Daly recounted some of the initial challenging history , and the overwhelming government and community support that eventually led to the tomb's successful completion. 'By early 2000, the remedial work to modify the foot of the National War Memorial was completed and the tomb itself was crafted using the Legion's design template based on the altar at Vimy (Canadian National Vimy Memorial, in France),' he said. The soldier later lay in state at Parliament, and a ceremonial parade including a Royal Canadian Mounted Police mounted horse and a vintage gun carriage, escorted the solider to the final resting place. Her Excellency Governor General Mary Simon took part in the 25th anniversary event and shared her thoughts. She laid a wreath at the site, after which other special representatives including the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, laid a Poppy at the tomb. 'As we mark 25 years since Canada's Unknown Soldier was laid to rest at the National War Memorial, I am deeply grateful to all Canadians who have served and sacrificed for peace and freedom. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a powerful tribute to those who have served, those who gave their lives, and those who will serve. Today and always, we honour them,' said Minister McKnight. The Governor General of that time, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, was also present for the morning event. During the commemoration, several students from Glebe Collegiate Institute helped tell the story of one soldier - whose grave remains unknown - through some letters shared with his family during the First World War. Guests included representatives of Veteran groups, and community leaders. The placing of a Remembrance torch near the tomb, and a fly-past of a CH-147F Chinook helicopter also helped mark the ceremony. BGen (Ret'd) Daly ended his remarks thanking VAC for acknowledging this milestone and speaking about the legacy of Remembrance that will endure at the site. 'This tomb will forever stand as the focus of Remembrance for all those who have gone before us, for all those who serve today, and for all those who may be called upon again in the future,' he expressed. A second unknown soldier was recently laid to rest in Newfoundland , also the result of a project led by the Legion and supported by government. In May 2024, a special delegation traveled from Canada to France to receive the remains of an unknown First World War soldier from Newfoundland who served at Beaumont-Hamel in France; at a time when that province was a separate dominion of the British Empire and not yet part of Canada. On July 1, the unknown soldier was also interred at the refurbished Newfoundland National War Memorial which was rededicated to mark its 100th anniversary. Led by the Legion's Newfoundland Command, the event was planned and executed in close partnership with all levels of government and additional supporters. For more on the history of the tomb in St. John's, visit: Tomb in St. John's . For more on the history of the tomb in Ottawa, visit: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier . About The Royal Canadian Legion Incorporated in 1926, the Legion is Canada's largest Veteran support and community service organization. We are a non-profit organization with a national reach across Canada as well as branches in the U.S. and Europe. With 270,000 members, many of whom volunteer an extraordinary amount of time to their branches, our strength is in our numbers. National Public Relations / Media Inquiries: PublicRelations@ / 343-540-7604 - Nujma Bond Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Royal Canadian Legion joins Veterans Affairs Canada at the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
National memorial was a Legion vision that became a reality with government and community support 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier OTTAWA, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Royal Canadian Legion shared the history of how Canada's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier came to be, during a special Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) event in Ottawa this morning. The story was part of the commemoration that took place on May 28th – the same day the soldier was originally interred in the final resting place at the site of the National War Memorial in Ottawa, in the year 2000. Legion Grand President, Vice-Admiral (Ret'd) Larry Murray, who was deputy minister of VAC at the time, spoke on behalf of the Legion about the great collaboration. 'I recall the thoughtful deliberations, the selfless efforts and the superb teamwork by all involved during the planning and preparation phases,' he shared. VAdm (Ret'd) Murray also noted how significant the tomb remains today, with busloads of students and others visiting throughout the year, and as a site of deep reflection at Canada's National Remembrance Day Ceremony; afterwards, attendees often place their lapel Poppies of Remembrance on the tomb. Brigadier-General (Ret'd) Duane Daly is a former Legion Dominion Secretary (now referred to as National Executive Director) and the tomb's project director. He, and past Dominion President the late Chuck Murphy, were instrumental in making things happen. BGen (Ret'd) Daly recounted some of the initial challenging history, and the overwhelming government and community support that eventually led to the tomb's successful completion. 'By early 2000, the remedial work to modify the foot of the National War Memorial was completed and the tomb itself was crafted using the Legion's design template based on the altar at Vimy (Canadian National Vimy Memorial, in France),' he said. The soldier later lay in state at Parliament, and a ceremonial parade including a Royal Canadian Mounted Police mounted horse and a vintage gun carriage, escorted the solider to the final resting place. Her Excellency Governor General Mary Simon took part in the 25th anniversary event and shared her thoughts. She laid a wreath at the site, after which other special representatives including the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, laid a Poppy at the tomb. 'As we mark 25 years since Canada's Unknown Soldier was laid to rest at the National War Memorial, I am deeply grateful to all Canadians who have served and sacrificed for peace and freedom. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a powerful tribute to those who have served, those who gave their lives, and those who will serve. Today and always, we honour them,' said Minister McKnight. The Governor General of that time, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, was also present for the morning event. During the commemoration, several students from Glebe Collegiate Institute helped tell the story of one soldier - whose grave remains unknown - through some letters shared with his family during the First World War. Guests included representatives of Veteran groups, and community leaders. The placing of a Remembrance torch near the tomb, and a fly-past of a CH-147F Chinook helicopter also helped mark the ceremony. BGen (Ret'd) Daly ended his remarks thanking VAC for acknowledging this milestone and speaking about the legacy of Remembrance that will endure at the site. 'This tomb will forever stand as the focus of Remembrance for all those who have gone before us, for all those who serve today, and for all those who may be called upon again in the future,' he expressed. A second unknown soldier was recently laid to rest in Newfoundland, also the result of a project led by the Legion and supported by government. In May 2024, a special delegation traveled from Canada to France to receive the remains of an unknown First World War soldier from Newfoundland who served at Beaumont-Hamel in France; at a time when that province was a separate dominion of the British Empire and not yet part of Canada. On July 1, the unknown soldier was also interred at the refurbished Newfoundland National War Memorial which was rededicated to mark its 100th anniversary. Led by the Legion's Newfoundland Command, the event was planned and executed in close partnership with all levels of government and additional supporters. For more on the history of the tomb in St. John's, visit: Tomb in St. John's. For more on the history of the tomb in Ottawa, visit: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About The Royal Canadian LegionIncorporated in 1926, the Legion is Canada's largest Veteran support and community service organization. We are a non-profit organization with a national reach across Canada as well as branches in the U.S. and Europe. With 270,000 members, many of whom volunteer an extraordinary amount of time to their branches, our strength is in our numbers. National Public Relations / Media Inquiries: PublicRelations@ 343-540-7604 - Nujma Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Royal Canadian Legion joins Veterans Affairs Canada at the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
National memorial was a Legion vision that became a reality with government and community support 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier OTTAWA, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Royal Canadian Legion shared the history of how Canada's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier came to be, during a special Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) event in Ottawa this morning. The story was part of the commemoration that took place on May 28th – the same day the soldier was originally interred in the final resting place at the site of the National War Memorial in Ottawa, in the year 2000. Legion Grand President, Vice-Admiral (Ret'd) Larry Murray, who was deputy minister of VAC at the time, spoke on behalf of the Legion about the great collaboration. 'I recall the thoughtful deliberations, the selfless efforts and the superb teamwork by all involved during the planning and preparation phases,' he shared. VAdm (Ret'd) Murray also noted how significant the tomb remains today, with busloads of students and others visiting throughout the year, and as a site of deep reflection at Canada's National Remembrance Day Ceremony; afterwards, attendees often place their lapel Poppies of Remembrance on the tomb. Brigadier-General (Ret'd) Duane Daly is a former Legion Dominion Secretary (now referred to as National Executive Director) and the tomb's project director. He, and past Dominion President the late Chuck Murphy, were instrumental in making things happen. BGen (Ret'd) Daly recounted some of the initial challenging history, and the overwhelming government and community support that eventually led to the tomb's successful completion. 'By early 2000, the remedial work to modify the foot of the National War Memorial was completed and the tomb itself was crafted using the Legion's design template based on the altar at Vimy (Canadian National Vimy Memorial, in France),' he said. The soldier later lay in state at Parliament, and a ceremonial parade including a Royal Canadian Mounted Police mounted horse and a vintage gun carriage, escorted the solider to the final resting place. Her Excellency Governor General Mary Simon took part in the 25th anniversary event and shared her thoughts. She laid a wreath at the site, after which other special representatives including the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, laid a Poppy at the tomb. 'As we mark 25 years since Canada's Unknown Soldier was laid to rest at the National War Memorial, I am deeply grateful to all Canadians who have served and sacrificed for peace and freedom. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a powerful tribute to those who have served, those who gave their lives, and those who will serve. Today and always, we honour them,' said Minister McKnight. The Governor General of that time, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, was also present for the morning event. During the commemoration, several students from Glebe Collegiate Institute helped tell the story of one soldier - whose grave remains unknown - through some letters shared with his family during the First World War. Guests included representatives of Veteran groups, and community leaders. The placing of a Remembrance torch near the tomb, and a fly-past of a CH-147F Chinook helicopter also helped mark the ceremony. BGen (Ret'd) Daly ended his remarks thanking VAC for acknowledging this milestone and speaking about the legacy of Remembrance that will endure at the site. 'This tomb will forever stand as the focus of Remembrance for all those who have gone before us, for all those who serve today, and for all those who may be called upon again in the future,' he expressed. A second unknown soldier was recently laid to rest in Newfoundland, also the result of a project led by the Legion and supported by government. In May 2024, a special delegation traveled from Canada to France to receive the remains of an unknown First World War soldier from Newfoundland who served at Beaumont-Hamel in France; at a time when that province was a separate dominion of the British Empire and not yet part of Canada. On July 1, the unknown soldier was also interred at the refurbished Newfoundland National War Memorial which was rededicated to mark its 100th anniversary. Led by the Legion's Newfoundland Command, the event was planned and executed in close partnership with all levels of government and additional supporters. For more on the history of the tomb in St. John's, visit: Tomb in St. John's. For more on the history of the tomb in Ottawa, visit: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About The Royal Canadian LegionIncorporated in 1926, the Legion is Canada's largest Veteran support and community service organization. We are a non-profit organization with a national reach across Canada as well as branches in the U.S. and Europe. With 270,000 members, many of whom volunteer an extraordinary amount of time to their branches, our strength is in our numbers. National Public Relations / Media Inquiries: PublicRelations@ 343-540-7604 - Nujma Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
