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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, June 20, 2012 · 8 Sacrifices recognized Continued from page 4 Photos by MARTA IWANEK / oakville beaver / @halton_photog Emotional time: Top, MJ Parker, wife of fallen soldier Colonel Geoff Parker, tears up at Bronte Veterans Garden in Oakville on Friday during a ceremony organized by St. Dominic Catholic School to honour Trooper Marc Diab and Oakville native Parker. Both soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan. From left to right, Alexandria sits beside her mother; Oakville MP Terence Young and National Defence Minister Peter McKay were also present. At right, the group stands near one of the unveiled plaques. Security Assistance Force convoy he was travelling in. He is the highest-ranking Canadian Forces soldier to lose his life in Afghanistan. "It is truly an honour to be standing here today. Your support for the troops and families of the fallen is greatly appreciated by my family and many others," said Charlie. "On behalf of my mom, my sister, Alex, and from student to student, I would like to say thank you for all your efforts in creating this memorial garden and placing a plaque here for my dad. Words cannot express our gratitude." The garden was created nearly a year ago following intense fundraising efforts on the part of St. Dominic Catholic School and with the help of sponsors including MEDIchair, Richard Brock of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association and the Bronte Legion. In his closing remarks, MacKay talked about the progress being made in Afghanistan thanks to the work of Canadian soldiers, referencing the greater numbers of children attending school and being immunized and the ability for women to participate in elections and represent Afghanistan's parliament. "Many wonderful freedoms and liberties that we enjoy are getting better and are improving because of our soldiers and the soldiers of other countries who were there helping to protect people and that's very much what Colonel Geoff Parker and Trooper Marc Diab were doing," said MacKay. "We're here to recognize with all of you the sacrifice and the contributions made (not just) by these families, but by all families, 158 Canadians gave their lives in Afghanistan as we have seen in other conflicts where Canadians have gone and fought for what we believe in as a country. It's pretty inspiring. It makes you feel pretty good and pretty proud about your country does it. We've all got our favourite hockey teams and football teams, we have our favourite actors and singers, but our real heroes in this country are people who are willing to sacrifice everything to make this world a better place and that's soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, young Canadians like you who grew up, had dreams, loved their country and wanted to reach out and help others." www.oakville.ca www.facebook.com/ townofoakville @townofoakville New Veterans Memorial at George's Square Town of Oakville seeking names of local veterans and military personnel for new memorial. Do you know a local veteran who served Canada following the Second World War? How about a current member of the Canadian military who lives in Oakville? If so, we want to hear from you! The Town of Oakville is seeking names for its new memorial at George's Square. The Veterans' Memorial will honour local military veterans who have served Canada since the Second World War. It will sit adjacent to the existing cenotaph at George's Square and is designed for those not already part of the First and Second World War tributes. For the purposes of this memorial, a veteran is defined as a man or woman who was living in Oakville at the time of their enlistment; and a man or woman who has served in, or with, one of the three recognized branches of the Under the by-law, a motorcycle cannot be operated in Oakville if it emits any sound exceeding 92 decibels (dBA) from the exhaust when it's idling. Decibel readings will be taken at 50 centimetres from the exhaust by a sound level meter. A train whistle, jackhammer or rock concert generate similar noise levels, typically reaching 90 decibels. Sustained exposure to decibel levels of 90-95 dBA could result in hearing loss. Most motorcycles will comply with the by-law. Owners should only be concerned if their motorcycle has been un-muffled or had other after-market exhaust systems installed. Canadian Armed Forces including the Army, Navy or Air Force, during an active armed conflict or operational theatre. Active service members are also eligible, and include those involved in any joint operation coordinated by the United Nations, NATO or similar multi-nation effort such as Afghanistan. Nomination forms can be found online. To submit a name for consideration, visit www.oakville.ca and search for George's Square. Submissions will be accepted until Friday, June 29. For more information please call 905-845-6601, ext. 3148 or email jolbina@oakville.ca Free testing: find out if your motorcycle complies with the new by-law requirements The Town of Oakville and Halton Regional Police is offering a public awareness session on June 24 to give owners a chance to test their motorcycles for decibel levels, free of charge, before the by-law is enforced. Sunday, June 24, 2012 ­ noon to 3 p.m. Town Hall ­ Main Parking Lot, 1225 Trafalgar Road For more information please visit www.oakville.ca or contact Luis Ferreira, supervisor, Licensing and By-Law Services, Town of Oakville, 1225 Trafalgar Road, 905-845-6601, ext. 3256 or lferreira@oakville.ca Does your motorcycle pass the test? Beginning July 1, 2012 an amendment to the Town of Oakville's Noise By-Law 2008-098 comes into effect that prohibits excessive motorcycle noise. The change to the by-law is a direct result of concerns raised by residents. The new amendment, passed by Council in December 2011, means individuals who violate the Noise By-law could face a minimum fine of $400.