RETIRED Sgt. Maj. Bob Maley has received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his dedicated service to the veteran community.
The award is given out each year to individuals who have performed commendable services to the veteran community or to those who are a role model for other veterans.
"When I first got the phone call, I thought someone was pulling my leg," said Maley, who is a North Vancouver resident. "It's nice to be recognized by your peers and within the community. This award that I got is for everyone who has helped me in the past and I would like to share it with them."
Since joining the North Shore Veterans Council in 1982, he has been involved with the Remembrance Day parade and service. He also played a key role in bringing the council's educational program to schools across the city and district.
Maley was born in the United Kingdom and joined the British army at the age of 17. He remained with them for nine years and then joined the Canadian Forces shortly after he immigrated to Canada.
With the population of Second World War veterans declining each year, Maley said it's important for all Canadians to remember those who paid the ultimate price to protect our freedom.
"When I came to Canada we still had First World War veterans, but now they are all gone," he said. "We have to keep their memories alive because without them we wouldn't be here today."
When Maley joined the council he started off as a flag carrier and then became a car sergeant in the Remembrance Day parade. He said crowds were small at the services and parades back then.
"Thirty years ago people tried to forget what happened. Nowadays there are a thousand people at the cenotaph. I've watched it grow and grow."
The North Shore Veterans Council Canada has been operating since 1948, but Maley said there was a time when there was very little interest in the council and it nearly disappeared.
"Today, we are the second biggest Remembrance Day parade in Canada next to the one in Ottawa," he said.
Maley and other council members are getting ready to begin planning for this year's Remembrance Day ceremonies.
"The NSVC start organizing the Remembrance Day Parade in February and none of them get paid to do it," he said. "Without them I wouldn't have got this award. They are a big part of my life."
