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Oakville Veterans' Luncheon 2016 a resounding success

“Lest We Forget ….. and …We’ll Meet Again”! The 15th Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon Honouring our Nation’s Heroes assures that , whenever possible, our Veterans will meet again. The luncheon took place on Monday, November 7, 2016 in Oakville.

Each year, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Access Abilities, of many community sponsors and countless volunteers, well over 250 special veteran guests, their care-givers and families gathered together at the Oakville Conference Centre to remember the courage, sacrifice and loyalty, to lay wreaths for loved ones and to meet friends. Over 750 people attended this outstanding function.

Oakville
Oakville's Veterans Luncheon, November 7 2016 | Oakville's Veterans Luncheon, November 7 2016, Photo Credit: Janet Bedford

There is music. The St. Dominic Catholic School Choir sang O'Canada. Bugler, David Crown played the Last Post. The Kerr Street Band entertained during lunch with familiar, toe-tapping tunes. The St. Andrews Pipes and Drums from Mississauga and members of The Entertainers were also on hand to play nostalgic musical interludes.

Kristin Courtney |  MediChairs
Kristin Courtney | MediChairs' Kristin Courtney, the organizer of the Oakville Veterans' Luncheon 2016; Photo Credit: Janet Bedford

Dave Sopha and Colin Fitzgerald had a beautiful surprise for the organizer of this grand event – the person who, year after year continues to out-do herself. Kristen Courtney was awarded the prestigious SerViCe plaque; The Ontario Volunteer Service Award that “recognizes individual volunteers for continuous years of commitment and dedicated service to an organization.”

Wall of Heroes Portraits |  Wall of Heroes Portraits by Dave Sopha at the Oakville Veterans
Wall of Heroes Portraits | Wall of Heroes Portraits by Dave Sopha at the Oakville Veterans' Luncheon 2016; Photo Credit: Janet Bedford
Dave Sophra |  Dave Sophra at the Oakville Veterans
Dave Sophra | Dave Sophra at the Oakville Veterans' Luncheon 2016; Photo Credit: Janet Bedford

Dave Sopha also deserves a special mention. He has painted a wall dedicated to the military; The Portraits of Honour Website is a website that is dedicated to the honour of our Canadian Military, and to remember our fallen heroes. Visit Portraits of Honour.ca to fully appreciate his contribution.

As the Great War Flying Museum performed their Fly Past, our Nation’s Heroes enjoyed another year with old friends and many memories. Kristin Courtney and her team at “access abilities” would like to say; “Our Thanks to each of our Veterans and Canadian Forces, for without your heroic efforts there would be no freedom to celebrate.”

St. Andrews Pipes & Drums |  St. Andrews Pipes & Drums played at the 2016 Oakville
St. Andrews Pipes & Drums | St. Andrews Pipes & Drums played at the 2016 Oakville's Veterans' Luncheon; Photo Credit: Janet Bedford

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