A Windsor man is among a dozen other Ontarians recognized today for their service to veterans. David Parent was in Toronto to receive the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation from the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs. The award pays tribute to citizens who provide support to veterans and their families and who promote greater awareness of the sacrifices and achievements of Canada's veterans.
Parent, a veteran of the Korean War, is a life member of the War Pensioners of Canada (WPC) and the Royal Canadian Naval Association (RCNA). He has also spent many years as the liaison officer for the Windsor Sea Cadet Corps. With the WPC, Rose City Branch, Parent has volunteered to work at several jamborees to raise money for Veterans at the Parkwood Hospital, among many other fundraisers.
Parent was also a driving force behind the erection of the Korean Veterans War Monument in Windsor. He was instrumental in obtaining the necessary funds and also took the lead on the design of the wall of remembrance. Parent is also a member of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Service Committee, an organization that provides a dignified memorial service for deceased veterans.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar pin for wear with decorations. Created in 2001, the Commendation is awarded to individuals who have performed commendable service to veterans, or those who represent commendable role models for their fellow veterans.
