The Cyprus 2024 reunion was successfully conducted in Nicosia from November 5th to 12th. Ninety Canadian Veterans, with family members, gathered to enjoy and remember their time in Cyprus and the contributions that were made by Canadians over the 60 years of Canada’s commitment to Peacekeeping on the island. The week provided a balance of activities for the attendees including site visits to the Buffer Zone, excursions and three Remembrance Services. Emotions ran high as the…
After 20 years of dedicated service, Shirley O’Connell, the beloved “Izzy Doll Mama,” will step down from her day-to-day leadership role on 1 November 2024. She will forever retain the title of “Izzy Doll Mama” as she transitions to an advisory position with Izzy Doll Initiative. We are proud to announce that Lise Galuga will take on the leadership role as Executive Director.
The Izzy Doll Initiative, a touching tribute to Master Corporal Mark “Izzy” Isfeld, continues its…
The Fall 2024 Issue of The Blue Beret - The Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association includes an article about a recent VAC-sponsored pilgrimage back to Cyprus. With permission from the CAPA, the story has been extracted from the fall issue and is reprinted below. The whole issue is available for download at the bottom of the page.
This visit was parallel to the November trip organized by the Canadian Airborne Forces Association and supported by the CMEA…
Article by LCol Don Chipman (Ret’d)
08 January 2025
The Revelstoke Review recently published a short announcement concerning Bob Lymburne, who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War:
A special letter was received by a local couple from Revelstoke’s famous ski jumper, Bob Lymburne. At the time, he was serving with the No.1 Railway operating Company, the Royal Canadian Engineers in France. The letter spoke about his service and the numerous other…
Article submitted by LCol Dan O’Keefe, CD (Ret’d)
Another successful Exercise Paladin Response was conducted in and around Chilliwack, BC, from December 26 to 31, 2024. Training sites included the Maple Bay Boat Launch and campground areas at Cultus Lake, the Colonel Roger St. John Armoury in Vedder Crossing, Chilliwack, and the OPSEE Training Area.
This annual exercise, previously known as Ex QUARREL JUMP, has been held for approximately 35 years, primarily in the…
The CME would like to announce the release or retirement of the following members (no biographies submitted):
After more than 33 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, CWO A.R. Taylor, MMM, CD, (00339) will retire on 27 June 2025. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to WO K.W. Henry at kevin.henry@forces.gc.ca
After more than 23 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the…
From President Alice van Bekkum
We are pleased to report on the activities of Faces to Graves since spring 2024. In this newsletter:
Part 1:
Unveiling plaque Vierlingsbeek | Gijs Krist en Mike McDonnell
Jane Grey visits her father's grave | Marian Straatman
100 life stories
Four Days Marches: commemorations
Visit Norma Luks-Walsh from Toronto
Donation of 500 euros | Gavin van Kuppeveld
Commendation Kurt Johnson
…
La version française suit
Hello,
We are looking to hear from released Veterans, former RCMP members, and their families about their transition experience. Your feedback can help us improve the services we provide to Veterans, former RCMP members and their families.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in sharing your feedback, visit Let’s Talk Veterans from now until December 13.
Please feel free to share this information with your communities to encourage…
Historica Canada is excited to share this NEW #HeritageMinute celebrating Edwin Baker, co-founder of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. After losing his vision during the First World War, Edwin Baker brought his determination back to Canada and co-founded the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Check out this new #HeritageMinute by @HistoricaCanada celebrating his legacy.
The Heritage Moment can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/XnurPB4h5Zk. En…
