An invitation is being extended to those who have someone in mind they would like included in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Veterans’ Service Recognition Book.
The book contains short write-ups and photos of veterans, including present or former members of the Canadian Forces and RCMP.
Don McCumber, chairman of the poppy/remembrance committee for Nova Scotia/Nunavut Provincial Legion Command, invites people to submit names of loved ones or others they know who deserve to be recognized for their service.
McCumber plans to hold a couple of workshops at the Yarmouth library Wednesday, Nov. 13. The first will take place between 12 noon and 1 p.m., with the second scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m.
If people want to bring some information and a photo to either of the two sessions, McCumber will be there to lend them a hand or answer questions they might have.
“I’ll be there as a resource person to help them out,” he said. “If they have a lot of information, we can kind of edit (it) down so that it fits into the format of the book.”
The book’s next edition will be published in 2020, which, McCumber notes, will be the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Holland.
Inclusion in the book, he said, is “an opportunity to recognize those from the area that took part in this most significant event.”
But any service, whenever or wherever it took place, should be recognized, he said, so he hopes people will make submissions.
“I certainly am willing to go to the various communities and discuss this with them,” McCumber said.
The book is published annually. The next edition will be the 16th to be published.
Copies of the book go to various locations, including libraries, school libraries and legion branches. People can request a copy from their local legion.
Proceeds from advertising in the book supports legion initiatives such as the veterans outreach program. McCumber cites an example called Healing on the Fly, “where ill and injured veterans can come and learn fly-tying ... That one’s offered at Eastern Passage and Windsor.”
McCumber said the legion also would welcome suggestions for things that could be done for veterans, notably in the southwestern part of the province.
