A motley crew – Veterans speak out

July 25, 2013 · 0 Comments

By definition, a motley crew is defined as a group of people of various backgrounds, appearances, and character. Usually seen in uniform at public venues, these dedicated Veterans and volunteers arrived in the sweltering heat right on time at the Legion 220 Branch for their regular Wednesday meeting on July 17th at 10 a.m.

Take a moment to imagine these fine people who risked their lives when they were younger to ensure a peaceful way of life and look at them today: minds sharp as tacks, vital, and still as dedicated to the “Big Picture” working as hard as ever to enhance and support their community. The level of commitment to the greater good is astounding and recognizably reveals strength of mind and character few can boast. Most of us can only hope to be as relevant well into our 90’s .

These heroes amongst us could have just as easily “retired” in the way of regular civilians and never had a further thought of politics, taxes, new buildings coming, old buildings being demolished, fund raisers for those in need, but not these amazing people. These people remember fighting when the world was in upheaval, watching friends lose their lives, and not one among them is made with the kind of stuff that would allow them to walk away from what is right and just.

Most recently publicized, and further discussed at the meeting, Retired MP Capt., Merv Parker mentioned, “The Veterans of Shelburne area, of which I am one, are still perplexed and disappointed with the loss of the Shelburne hospital, which we attempted to save but now face the prospect of not only the loss of that facility to an affordable living facility, but expansion of the Mel Lloyd Medical Clinic to accommodate the sudden arrival of doctors, the cost of both to be passed on to the residents of Shelburne and Dufferin County through their taxes for years to come. This, is spite of the fact that the Shelburne Hospital was built and paid for by donations from local residents including many veterans and their families, past and present. ‘Lest We Forget.’ ”

Another matter which weighs heavily on the hearts and minds of the Veterans’, concerns donated hospital beds and other items that had been donated to the Shelburne Hospitals by local families as name sakes to the dearly departed. With the items now removed and gone forever, so are the name sakes and intentions of remembrance. This lack of consideration is a blatant outrage, a reflection of modern life and avoidable general disregard for those whose very lives ensured our future as a country.

“Ross Warman, Service Officer for Branch 220 added, “While all veterans are welcome, anyone can come to our meetings. We’d love to see everyone, shoot the breeze, have a few cookies.”

Even when this Motley crew of Veterans and volunteers are not on duty, they are still on duty, dedicated to their community. Heroes walk among us in Shelburne!

For more information regarding the Veteran Meetings at the Legion Branch 220 call 519-925-3800.

By Alex Sher