A debt of gratitude is owed to the brave veterans and their loved ones who serve and have served. As Canadians we must recognize not only those who served in the First World War, Second World War, or the Korean War but also the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans who have served Canada since then.
Reveal Niagara Business Magazine by Ownera Media is proud to present the following nominated Veterans living in Niagara to honour the sacrifices made in the defence of freedom and the pursuit of world peace. These leaders recognize the importance of peacekeeping and have committed themselves to their country as well as their local community.
Allan Howse, President
Branch 124 Royal Canadian Legion, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Allan served in the reserves for 30 years and has been a continuous supporter and advocate of fellow veterans. As current President of Branch 124, Allan served his first term in 2009, when he also committed himself to the Memory Project, breathing new life into the live-recorded experiences captured in 1987 of more than 150 NOTL Legion members who had enlisted in the military.
Established in 1928, Branch 124 continues to hold their torch high more than 90 years later. Located on King Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, they continue the work of veteran support regardless of when or where they served. Dedicated to honouring past sacrifices, the Legion also recognizes those who continue to serve today.
Fundraising initiatives and events take place regularly to assist in extending needed financial support to recipients such as the Veterans Homeless Fund, Niagara Health Organization, NOTL Pumphouse and NOTL’s Kin Club. In the community they are actively engaged in local youth sports and education programs, Air Cadets, Girl Guides, and are extremely popular for their award-winning weekly fish fry that takes places every Thursday.
With the support of local partners, Branch 124 also runs the Seniors Outreach program, offering access to food, companionship, and educational resources for those in the community. Committed to preserving history, Branch 124 is also seeking donations to restore the widely recognized Memorial Clock Tower cenotaph, which marks its 100th year anniversary this year. The cenotaph commemorates the lives of those lost in the First and Second World Wars and is a symbol of the communities’ significant military history.
Romeo Daley, Korean War Veteran
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)
As one of more than 26,000 Canadians who volunteered to serve with UN forces during the Korean War, Romeo Daley served two tours of duty from 1950 to 1953. His war experience is unique, serving under both a king and queen when George VI died during the war passing the throne to Elizabeth II.
April 2021 marked the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, long referred to as Canada’s “Forgotten War”. Sparked by Communist forces crossing from North Korea into South Korea in 1950, the bitter battle fought half a world away never received the same recognition as the First or Second World Wars.
Romeo served seventeen months for the second and first battalions of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, with five of those months in trench warfare. He has dedicated more than four decades to assist fellow veterans and share his stories to educate the youth about the sacrifices that were made. While appropriate recognition came too late for many who served, seeing the government now educating today’s youth on this historic event is something Romeo is grateful for.
Romeo wears his service medals proudly and is a founding member of Branch 71 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Erie as well as the Fort Erie Underwater Recovery Unit. Of 378 nominations, he was one of twenty-nine individuals selected presented with the Governor General’s Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers. In that same year, Romeo also received a Ministry of Veterans Affairs Commendation from Minister Lawrence MacAuley.
Michael L Blais, CD, Founder and President
Canadian Veterans Advocacy Association
Michael served two Cold War Tours in the Canadian Armed Forces with the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) and the Canadian First Defence Strategy (CFDS) at Canadian Forces Base Baden Soellingen.
Attaining non-profit status in 2011, the Canadian Veterans Advocacy was inspired by the televised press conference event where PPCLI Colonel (Retired) Patrick Stogran, stood up for the rights of Canadian veterans in 2010.
Later that year, Michael organized the first annual Canadian Veterans National Day of Protest seeking the restoration of the Sacred Obligation and equality to veterans and widows subject to the New Veterans Charter.It was this successful day of protest where Michael was joined by thousands of military, RCMP and police veterans, that the Canadian Veterans Advocacy Association was born.
The association is guided by one motto, “One Veteran, One Standard.” Sponsored by supporter donations, participation is encouraged by all veterans regardless of age or type of service.
An advocate for veterans suffering the mental and physical repercussions of their service, Michael is also a victim of permanent disability. He has suffered two spinal injuries through his service, first during a UN peacekeeping tour to Cyprus that led to an air evacuation to Canada and the second, after medical remuster at the conclusion of the 1st Gulf War while serving a 4-year NATO posting to then West Germany.
Through the association, Michael will continue to advocate and speak up for fair compensation of our veterans that deserve the support and honour not always received.
This article was published in Vol. 3 | Iss. 3 of Reveal Magazines. Click HERE for the full issue.