This year is a first for the event to include firefighter, RCMP and reservist veterans.
The annual reunion began in 1998 with the goal of honouring veterans from the Korean War. As numbers declined, the event was opened to other veterans, a move that was championed by Tim Parker, president of the Nova Scotia Korea Veterans Association.
“We just don’t want them to wait like we had to,” he said.
“We had to wait 22 years for recognition, the Korean veterans,” he added.
Parker’s wife Mary Lou, coordinator and secretary/treasurer for the association, holds similar feelings about the inclusion of other veterans.
“Especially the youngsters from Afghanistan; they deserve recognition,” she said.
“I came up with a saying – their valour brings us honour, and it does. They’re keeping our homefront safe.”
The reunion contributes significantly to the local economy, says Mary Lou Parker, pointing out that close to 600 registered for the first in 1998, pouring an estimated three quarters of a million dollars into the region.
“The first one we set up for a few hundred and 600 came. It was something else – from the States, from England. It was a big, big reunion…out of this world. The whole town pitched in to help us feed them. Then it started dwindling a bit,” she said.
Last year close to 200 attended, raising an estimated $2,700 for the legion.
The agenda includes a meet and greet on Friday evening followed by a variety show.
On Saturday a parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. from the legion to the Korean war memorial at the corner of Parade and Pleasant streets.
Delegates are free to shop and tour on Saturday afternoon. That night the banquet and president’s hour is held, with “lots of music and food.”
“The first one we set up for a few hundred and 600 came. It was something else – from the States, from England. It was a big, big reunion…out of this world. The whole town pitched in to help us feed them. - Mary Lou Parker on the first veteran's reunion in 1998.
On Saturday night, with members’ permission and space permitting, the doors are open to the public. Sunday morning is a farewell breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
“We have a singsong and everybody cries. We have a good time,” said Parker.
Joe Bishara and the Maple Grove and Yarmouth High School Memorial Club help with the reunion every year.
Parker has faxed 27 legions in the province asking recipients to put the information on bulletin boards and in newsletters. She’s also sent notice to other legions in Canada.
“It’s a lot of work but it’s well worth the effort,” said Parker.
