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Veterans Affairs honours military historian By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Oakville military history writer Tom Douglas was recognized with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation Monday for his work in preserving the stories of Canada's veterans. Douglas, along with 19 other award recipients, received the commendation from Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney during a special ceremony in London, Ont. The honour is awarded annually to exceptional veterans (and, in some circumstances, non-veterans) who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well being of veterans; and/or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices, and achievements of veterans. Douglas said he was recognized for writing numerous books about Canada's military heritage including Valour at Vimy Ridge, D-Day, and Canada's Spies. He was also recognized for organizing pilgrimages to overseas battle sites for veterans and for speaking about Canada's military history to service clubs, elementary and secondary school students, and other groups. Douglas said upon hearing that he was going to receive the commendation, his first thought was to call his father who took part in the D-Day invasion and the rest of the European campaign during the Second 7 · Wednesday, August 1, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "I look at it as the pinnacle of my military writing and a wonderful recognition of my efforts to keep the torch held high by encouraging Canadians to remember the devotion of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in Canada's various military engagements...." Tom Douglas, military historian well as those who came home wounded in body or spirit and those who kept the home fires burning." The commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar World War. He said this automatic reaction, however, had to give way to the sad reality that his father passed away a number of years ago. "He was my main inspiration for writing about Canada's proud military heritage," said Douglas. "I also feel honoured to have been selected for such a prestigious award and to join the ranks of those who have been given this commendation in the past. "I look at it as the pinnacle of my military writing and a wonderful recognition of my efforts to keep the torch held high by encouraging Canadians to remember the devotion of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in Canada's various military engagements as for wear with decorations. The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy, a flower long associated with the sacrifices of war, with the Royal Crown on the top of the pin. Fine cabinetry for anywhere in your home Family Owned & Operated Since 1976 S · Bath and Kitchen Showroom · Designer Kitchens · Kitchen Renovations 905-632-0029 with complete kitchens ordered before August 31st 2012. FREE HST ON CABINETS 4150 South Service Rd. uniquekitchensofburlington.com WWWPALMAPASTACOM 4HE)TALIAN&OOD3HOP Until Aug 12, 2012 Until Aug 12, 2012 $ 25 00 3-4 servings San Pellegrino Water 1 Until Aug 12, 2012 r Rd $ Family Size Lasagna Not to be combined with any other offers. Limit 2 per person. Valid until August 12th, 2012 Large Lasagna Valid until August 12th, 2012 Not to be combined with any other offers. Limit 2 per person. Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am - 7 pm, Saturday 9 am - 6 pm , Sunday 10 am - 5 pm Trafalga 12 $ 21 95 6-8 servings 2501 Prince Michael Dr (at Dundas St.) (905) 257-9200 Dundas St E www.palmapasta.com Dr el cha 403 Mi e c n Pri Upper Middle Rd E 4HE)TALIAN&OOD3HOP $ WWWPALMAPASTACOM Micro Tray Penne Creamy Garlic 13 00 $ 25 1 Emma Canned Tomatoes