Our region has a very long and a very proud history of service. Numerous individuals who hail from Cornwall, SD&G, and Akwesasne have served in the armed forces of both Canada, the United States, and other allied nations.
In particular, the SD&G Highlanders, our local regiment, can trace its lineage back to militia units which fought in the War of 1812, earning the Defence of Canada Battle Honour. Having been formally raised in 1868, the SD&G Highlanders are officially 157 years old and over these fifteen plus decades, members have served during numerous conflicts, peacekeeping missions, and deployments, both domestically and abroad. This includes the most recent Afghanistan Battle Honour, which indicates that at least 20% of members from the regiment served in theatre during the Afghanistan War.
Since 1979, Cornwall has also been home to the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations, housing all training for military aerospace control training. During these past 46 years, Cornwall has hosted hundreds of Royal Canadian Air Force personnel, both students and staff. These members have become an integral part of our community, living here, volunteering here, playing here, and shopping here.
As I alluded to earlier, Cornwall is home to many veterans. These include individuals who are originally from the area, as well as individuals who have since moved here, post release from the Canadian Armed Forces. The City is proud to partner with numerous veteran organizations in Cornwall, and to provide programs for veterans.
Since 2018, the Royal Canadian Legion has been exempted from property taxes. In 2020, Council extended this exemption to the Army Navy Air Force Club, RCAFA Wing 424, and the (former) Navy Club. In addition, the City offers free bus passes for veterans for use on Cornwall Transit as well as free parking in City owned spots for any vehicle with veteran plates. For more information on either program, please contact the City.
The Veterans bus pass program is just one example of the partnership between Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 and the City of Cornwall. We have partnered with the Legion on the Veterans Walk banners, both the previous and the current ones. On October 31st, we raised the poppy flag. We are also working on a veterans crosswalk, but, regrettably, it may not be ready for Remembrance Day this year.
These programs and partnerships are just some of the small ways that the City says Thank You to all those who have served, as well as their families. As we see the members of the greatest generation, veterans from the Second World War pass on, the onus is now on us to remember. We owe them this much. Lest we forget.
L’article Thank You Veterans est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
