The opportunity to speak to, learn from, or thank a Second World War veteran in person is limited in this region, as we approach Remembrance Day 2023.
That’s according to Larry Shattraw, Bancroft Legion President, who says there’s one surviving veteran from the generation-defining conflict living in the Bancroft area.
Shattraw says the Legion is in touch with Joe Gallant, a veteran who lives at Hastings Centennial Manor. He adds other Second World War vets who were involved with Legion activities have died in recent years.
Barry’s Bay Legion President Heather Poliquin says, to her knowledge, there is one Second World War vet connected to her area. That’s Joseph Baxter, who lives with family in Combermere.
She said Baxter still comes to Legion events. She says there could be other Second World War vets in the area, but the Legion is not in contact with them.
Shattraw and Poliquin urge Canadians, saddened by the march of time, to keep learning from Canadian Forces veterans from other conflicts.
The Second World War officially ended in the fall of 1945. That means an 18-year-old serving at that time would be 96 years old today.