Supper honours local veterans

Members of the public will raise their glasses to salute local veterans at a dinner in Black Diamond this Remembrance Day.

The United Church in the Valley men’s group is hosting its annual Remembrance Day dinner in the Griffiths Seniors Centre at 5:30 p.m. in recognition of veterans.

“It’s something we certainly like to do to put the spotlight on our veterans and their issues,” said men’s group member John Carmichael.

Carmichael said the supper has been going on since 2013 and attracts anywhere from 60 to 80 veterans and members of the public.

“We do a couple of services throughout the year,” he said. “We take up a collection at our breakfast to support the Good Samaritan’s Fund to help people on a short-term emergency basis.”

Before everyone digs into their lasagna, Black Diamond veteran Doug McNeil will talk about some of the issues veterans are facing today. This year marks his third as the event’s guest speaker.

McNeil said he will talk about the importance of the Legion to veterans, as well as the importance of maintaining the rules like ensuring members and the public remove their hats when they enter the building and not covering up photos or other commemorative decorations on the walls during community events.

“The Legion is like a church to veterans,” he said. “It’s supposed to protect veterans.”

In past years, McNeil has spoken about his tour of Vietnam and Cyprus.

McNeil served in the infantry in Germany, Norway, Cyprus, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Tickets for the veterans’ dinner cost $15 for adults , $10 for veterans and $5 for children ages six to 12, and are available at the United Churches in Okotoks and Turner Valley and at the door.