Comrades in arms gather for VE Day

Sid Birns

June, 2010

World War II veterans, Legionnaires all, attended a Victory in Europe celebration at the Eleanor London Library last month. The full-house crowd included local dignitaries and specially invited guests.

Six-way handshake of solidarity: Sydney Barnett (from left), Harry Shaffer, Saul Gordon, councillor Allan Levine, Mervin Aberback and Michael Kutz. Photo: Jack Frank and Sid Birns

The ceremonies were opened by Côte St. Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather and began with the posting of the colours, The Last Post and the lowering of the flag by Legionnaire Syd Barnett, a member of the Côte St. Luc Senior Men’s Club. D’arcy McGee MNA Lawrence Bergman expressed sadness for those who gave their lives for our freedom. The veterans who returned helped create the community and continue to give back.

Michael Polak, honorary consul of the Netherlands, said: “We will always remember what you have done, we will never forget.” U.S. consul-general Lee McClenny added a final touch to the 65th anniversary celebration, remembering those who kept the home fires burning during the war.