On the anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War, three local veterans of that war were honoured Saturday in Wedgeport.
Nelson J. Deveau, Arnold Robert (Bob) Garron and Leslie J. Muise were recognized at an event hosted by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155. The three are members of this branch.
The late-morning ceremony included a brief service of remembrance, the laying of a wreath and some remarks by invited guests.
About 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean War and 516 lost their lives.
West Nova MP Colin Fraser, one of the speakers for Saturday’s ceremony, noted the Korean War tends to be known as the “forgotten war” and he stressed the need to think about those who served and to be grateful for their efforts.
“We must never forget the sacrifices that have been made to give us the freedom we have,” he said.
Argyle-Barrington MLA Chris d’Entremont thanked the three men being recognized on this day in Wedgeport not only for their service in the war but for what they have done since then.
“I know the work they have done in our community,” he said. “They continue to serve.”
Argyle Warden Danny Muise, who also offered a few remarks, said he’s always pleased to be part of an event honouring veterans.
Addressing the three who were the focus of Saturday’s ceremony, he said, everyone is “proud and appreciative” of their service.
The ceremony included the laying of a wreath by Korean War veterans Bill Richards and Weldon Francis.
The wreath initially was laid indoors as part of the service in the legion hall. Afterwards the veterans made their way outside and the wreath was laid at the monument in front of the legion.
The following is some biographical information on the three veterans honoured during the July 27 event in Wedgeport (supplied by the legion):
Nelson J. Deveau
Nelson J. Deveau was born in Weymouth, Digby County, Nov. 2, 1933. He joined the Canadian Army in 1951 and went to Korea in ‘53. He drove an ambulance transporting the wounded from the front line to a forward field dressing station. He still has nightmares from this experience. He returned to Canada in 1954. He had three tours in Germany, the first from 1955 to 1958, serving in the Canadian Army Transport Company. In 1956 he married Elfriede Bernodoref, a German woman. He speaks French, English and German fluently. He also knows some Korean and Italian. He retired from the military after 25 years of service. He lives in Wellington, Yarmouth County.
Arnold Robert (Bob) Garron
Bob Garron was born May 8, 1934. He is a native of Brier Island, Digby County. In 1951 he joined the Canadian Army, serving in the artillery regiment. He went to fight in Korea in January 1953. His unit was attached to the Royal 22nd Regiment, also known as the Vandoos, which was subjected to ‘‘intense Chinese bombardment in the shadows of Hill 227 and Hill 355,” according to documents. He returned to Canada in May 1954. He made four tours of service in Germany and served at various Canadian Army bases. After his retirement from the military in 1983 after 33 years of service, he moved to Wedgeport and Plymouth in Yarmouth County and now lives in Yarmouth.
Leslie J. Muise
Leslie J, Muise was born Nov. 15, 1932 in Rocco Point, Yarmouth County. In 1951 he joined the Canadian Army, serving in the anti-aircraft artillery regiment. In November 1953 he had the option to volunteer to go to Germany or South Korea. He chose South Korea. The fighting had stopped then, but he was in constant standby in case of renewed fighting. He came back to Canada in May 1954. He retired from the military in 1977 after 26 years’ service. He lives in Hubbard’s Point, Yarmouth County. He took part in the veterans visit South Korea program last year, 2018, with his granddaughter Galisa Devine.
All three veterans lived active full-time working lives for many years after leaving the military.
