The Veterans Tree at Borden-Carleton Legion (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

November 25, 2020.  When the phone rang the other day, it was to let us know about a wonderful way to remember veterans past and present at the Borden-Carleton Legion.

‘Our veterans at the Branch deserve to be remembered at Christmas’

…….Kathy Henry, Borden-Carleton Legion member

Kathy Henry, member of the Borden-Carleton Legion, wanted to do something special this year to honour the many veterans who have been identified with the Branch over the past years.  “…I’ve been thinking about it for 10 years, but when we had a tree donated to the Branch, it was time to do it...” she explained.

The tree, donated by Ashley Steele, whose uncle Danny Bernard is a Branch member, led Kathy and Dawn Gradwell to find ornament tags and painstakingly handwrite the name of a veteran on each card.  “…We’ve done 187 ornament tags so far…” Kathy noted.

Some of the ornament tags on the Veterans Tree, each with the handwritten name of a veteran.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Veterans residing in the area were invited to place their own ornament tags on the tree, and one of these was Pieter.

Kathy Henry, left, with Pieter Valkenburg, right. Pieter wears a clear-window mask since I have difficulty following conversations when masks cover faces and mouths. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter places the ornament tag on the tree. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter’s ornament tag is next to that of WW1 soldier James Ambrose Cairns.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Kathy is the wife of veteran Mario Henry, who served over 20 years in the Canadian military.  “…I’m supporting the Branch, the members, and the veterans with this initiative.  The veterans deserve a tree!…” she explained.

The Borden-Carleton Legion has ensured that those who served have not been forgotten during this holiday season.  Well done, Kathy and Dawn!

If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg