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`We have to guard that forever': Don Hubbs continued from p.1 ing when he was old enough. Though very appreciative that his service continues to be recognized, Hubbs said he joined the military for a very simple reason. "It was the thing to do," he said. MEDIchair Halton held its first Veterans Appreciation Luncheon in 2002, hosting eight veterans for lunch at its Bronte Road store. "It felt so good to thank them for their service," said MEDIchair Halton co-owner Kristin Courtney, whose father was a Second World War veteran. "We were so humbled, though. The veterans were so thankful, it seemed to mean so much more to them." The following year, the luncheon grew to 45 veterans, and then to 150 the year after that. Having outgrown the store, the luncheon was moved to the Oakville Convention Centre, where 750 people -- veterans, their caregivers, current service personnel and local dignitaries -- attended the 13th annual luncheon. Among those at the luncheon were Bruce and Norma Kitchen, who were married in 1945 while Bruce was on leave. While Bruce was overseas, Norma contributed to the war effort by helping build Lancaster bombers. "That's why I joined the Navy," Bruce said mischievously. Bruce was in charge of using an emerging technology -- radar -- to locate enemy ships and submarines. "I sat up top in the radar shack," he said. The Kitchens, who have been attending the luncheon for several years, said they appreciate having their service recognized all these years later. "It's very nice to get together like this," said Bill Shields, of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 114 Oakville. "I see a lot of the guys I joined up with." Shields served on HMCS Trentonian, which was sunk by a torpedo from a German submarine in February 1945. Six of his fellow crewmen were killed, while the remainder of the crew spent an hour in the frigid waters before being rescued by a British ship. Irene Shields served in the quartermaster station, which was responsible for distributing everything from clothing to guns to the troops. "A lot of the people don't realize the freedoms we have," she said. "We have a lot to be thankful for." Hubbs said recent attacks against servicemen only serve as a reminder as to why it is important to defend our country and its freedom. "We have to guard that forever," he said. For more photos of the day, see p.10 3 | Thursday, November 6, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The 13th annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, held Monday at the Oakville Conference Centre, saluted veterans and those currently serving in Canada's military. Pictured, Jon Buskermolen, left, and Ben Hendriks lay a wreath on behalf of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) ceramics porcelain travertine marble glass natural stone mosaics slate granite quartz INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca Discover for yourself - the very best Selection, Service and always, the Lowest Prices. We shop the world so you don't have to! FACTORY TILE DEPOT Call and Book your Free Design consultation 1360 speers road 905-465-1650 open 7 days/wk! Follow us on www.factorytiledepot.ca Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law Backsplash · Bathroom · kitchen · Fireplace · Feature Walls