Burlington Legion Grand Re-Opening with Special Dieppe Vet

After months of closure due to COVID-19, Burlington Legion Branch 60 held a ribbon cutting to mark their re-opening today. I was thrilled to attend and share in this positive moment for the veterans of our community and their families.Today's very special guest was highly-decorated veteran and Branch 60 member Douglas Ross Rickard who was joined by his daughter Maria. He had the honour of cutting the ribbon itself. Born in Toronto in 1918, Douglas is 102 years young!Douglas landed in France in August of 1942 as part of the Dieppe Raid, continuing to serve until 1946. An accomplished painter, six of his paintings hang in the National War Museum in Ottawa.I was also thrilled to bring the Legion the award they received as part of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce 2020 Business Excellence Awards where they received the Mayor's Not-for-Profit Community Service award this year. We all celebrated virtually with formal at-home dinners and a webcast ceremony with hundreds of guests on June 23rd, but it was wonderful to bring them the award itself in person.Our local legion is an essential space to honour and celebrate the courage and sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families, and to spend time together sharing life-changing memories and making new ones. I am so pleased they have been able to re-open and overcome the many challenges they faced through this pandemic with the help of their tireless volunteers and our generous community.One great way to support this vital institution is through their delicious take-out Fish & Chips Fridays. 1/2 pound haddock & fries for $10 is one of the best deals going in town!