Six local Second World War veterans - each of them over 100 years of age - were awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal at a recent ceremony held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25.
Ken Anstice, Jens Lamour, Aldo Diotallevi, Mel Mizzi and Aurele LeBlanc were presented with the medals by Liberal incumbent Terry Sheehan on March 29.
Steve Wochy was absent from the ceremony but received his medal later.
The Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada on May 6, 2023 and is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada.
The six Sault veterans were awarded Coronation Medals for their service to Canada in the Second World War.
Sheehan presented two additional Coronation Medals to two Branch 25 officers.
Pierre Breckenridge, Branch 25 president, received a medal for playing a vital role in the team that made the new Branch office and apartment building at 96 Great Northern Road a reality.
Sheehan also cited Breckenridge’s service with 2310 Army Cadets and his work with Algoma Steel Emergency Services.
Annetta Golder received her medal for her long service with the cadet program and as a Legion officer.
To mark the first anniversary of the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, the United Kingdom issued more than 400,000 coronation medals.
Canada has issued 30,000 medals, 4,000 of which will recognize members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Nominees for the medals were selected for their long service and good conduct as a volunteer or member of an organization, for having demonstrated high professionalism or for performing a deed or activity that brings great credit to Canada.