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Veteran gives keynote address at Bancroft Legion

November 12, 2014

By Tony Pearson

Bob Brown, a former president of the Bancroft branch of the Canadian Legion, is a seven year veteran of the Canadian Army, where he served in the Second battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. He saw duty in Germany, and on peacekeeping duties on the Golan Heights (between Israel and Syria) and in Cyprus (between Greek and Turkish Cypriots). Based on that service, he spoke at the Legion’s Remembrance Day dinner about the past and present role played by members of the Canadian military in protecting the country, and in protecting the freedom of other people in other lands. He noted how “there is always a veteran somewhere with his fingertips on a war memorial, thanking a fallen soldier for saving his life years ago.”
“So why,” Brown asked, “does someone want to join the military in the first place? Why put your life on the line? Honour, and Duty,” Brown stated. “When a soldier goes into battle, he is immediately stripped of all his prejudices that befell him at home. He is no longer described according to his ethnic background, religious beliefs, or political affiliation. Instead, he is left with the title of The Canadian Soldier. I cannot think of anything more honourable distinction than this.
“I know that every time I see a decorated men and women in public,” Brown continued, “I hold them in the highest esteem. This respect is earned through the meaning that the uniform carries. It isn’t simply for show, to decorate with pretty ribbons and sashes. Instead it is to show that person’s dedication and willingness to serve. It isn’t simply for show, to decorate with pretty ribbons and sashes. Instead it is to show that person’s dedication and willingness to serve.”