The Veteran on the Ten Dollar Bill

From Ken Kennedy
If you look at the back right-hand side of a Canadian $10 bill, you will see an old veteran standing at attention near the Ottawa war memorial. His name is Robert Metcalfe and he died recently at the age of 90. That he managed to live to that age is rather remarkable, given what happened in the Second World War. Born in England, he was one of the 400,000 members of the British Expeditionary Force sent to the mainland where they found themselves facing the new German warfare technique - the Blitzkrieg. He was treating a wounded comrade when he was hit in the legs by shrapnel. En route to hospital, his ambulance came under fire from a German tank, which then miraculously ceased fire. He was evacuated from Dunkirk on the HMS Grenade but unfortunately two of the sister ships with them were sunk. Recovered, he was sent to allied campaigns in North Africa and Italy. En route his ship was chased by the German battleship Bismarck! In North Africa he served under General Montgomery against the Desert Fox, Rommel! Sent into the Italian campaign, he met his future wife, a lieutenant and physiotherapist in a Canadian hospital. They were married in the morning by the mayor of the Italian town, and again in the afternoon by a British padre. After the war they settled in Chatham where he went into politics and became the warden (chairman) of the county. On his retirement he and his wife moved to Ottawa. At the age of 80 he wrote a book about his experiences. One day out of the blue he received a call from a government official asking him to go downtown for a photo op. He wasn't told what the photograph was for or why they chose him. “He had no idea he would be on the bill,” his daughter said. And now you know the story of the old veteran on the $10 bill

Maple Leaf Monument Petawawa

From Ken Kennedy
Dear Friends,
Since many of you can't be in Petawawa to see the newly dedicated Maple Leaf Monument , I've put together a slide show for you. Lest we forget.

Click here to view the slideshow or paste this URL into your browser: http://www.picnik.com/show/id/9501720964_QcTLh

Obituary Notice for Bill Cousins LM305

Peacefully at home on Sunday October 10, 2010. Willard (Bill) Eric Cousins age 79. Beloved husband of Carolyn (nee Rogers) Cousins. Loving father of Betsey Stewart, Velda Eburne, Judy Andrews, Walter Cousins, Daren Cousins and Sandra MacKenzie . Predeceased by his son Wayne Cousins. Survived by his sister Betty-Ann Caseley. Cherished grandfather of eight and also survived by several great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Grant Brown Funeral Home, Rolston Chapel, Kemptville on Thursday October 14th from 1 to 3pm followed by Funeral service at 3:30 pm at the South Gate Wesleyan Church, 1303 French Settlement Road, Kemptville. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Canadian Guide Dogs or Korean Veterans Association of Canada.