Veterans of the Second World War will receive lapel pins and certificates to recognize their service to Canada.
Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West-Glanbrook, delivered the commemorative pins and certificates to the Fonthill Legion hall on Friday. It was part of a sweep through his riding.
The federal government, he said, began giving out the pins on Sept. 14, 2014, which marked the 75th anniversary of Canada entering the Second World War. It will continue until 2020, the 75th anniversary the war’s ended.
The pins are a reproduction of the Canadian “Victory Nickel”, which featured a large “V”. It was in circulation from 1943 to 1945 and re-issued in 2005 on the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Allison said it is a way to recognize service by about 1 million men and women in the Canadian army, navy and air force as well as the merchant marine.
At the outbreak of the war in 1939, Canada had a population of only 11 million. Of the 1 million who volunteered, 45,000 died and 55,000 were wounded.
“Canadians cannot forget the sacrifice made by those who served,” he said.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613 received 76 pins and certificates.
Allison said it was the largest number for any branch in the riding.
Branch president Rick Hatt said the pins will be distributed to local veterans and a reception is planned.
They will go to anyone who served during the Second World War, although Hatt said he is not sure there still are 76 local veterans from the war.
Other Friday stops by Allison were at legion branches in Grimsby, Smithville, and Beamsville as well as 447 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force Association at the airport in Mount Hope.
