'He is very well decorated': Sask. veteran turns 100, honoured by Legion for lifetime of service
The Saskatchewan Royal Legion celebrated one of its members reaching a major milestone this weekend.
Cliff MacDonald celebrated his 100 birthday and was also honoured for his 80 years with the Legion.
“He is very well decorated. He received the French Medal of Honour for landing on D-day, and being the first overseas,” former Legion president Keith Andrews told CTV News. “He’s been a veteran member of the Legion for over 80 years. In fact, he was a member of the Legion when he was in France.”
MacDonald enlisted in 1941 with the 67 light anti-aircraft battery out of Rosetown. He returned home in December 1945.
One of the families in his home community of Elrose paid his membership dues to the Legion while he was away.
“It’s about service for veterans and their families,” Andrews said. “Today is a bunch of medals and stuff like that but the whole thing is, when somebody’s got a problem, we help them.”
The event was held at the Sherbrooke Veterans Village in Saskatoon, where four generations of family gathered to mark the occasion.
MacDonald’s grandson, Dane MacDonald, who is a Sergeant At Arms, presented him with his medal for his time with the Legion.
He said it was important to understand the sacrifice of veterans and to continue the mission to serve others.
“It’s definitely something that I’ve learned to understand and take with great pride that we can carry the torch forward,” Dane said.
MacDonald was also presented with the Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal and letters from dignitaries including the premier of Saskatchewan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
He responded to the celebration of his life and service humbly.
“I guess I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Betty. She’s looked after me for 74 years, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.