Two Royal Canadian Naval Association members have been honored for their dedication and service to the local veterans’ community.
The presentation of medals to both men is part of the national celebrations of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee — the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s ascension to the throne.
Bill Murray of Courtenay served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 17 years. After his retirement he was an original member and founding president of the Comox Valley branch.
During his service with the Royal Canadian Naval Association he has also served as the branch supply officer. His long service with the branch has included support services to fellow veterans and was recognized by honourary lifetime membership.
Don Knight of Comox served in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Air Force for over 35 years. During his time with the Royal Canadian Naval Association, Knight has held every executive position on the local branch board and also represented the interests and concerns of local naval
veterans with the national executive of the association.
Both naval veterans were involved with the design of the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Cairn
at Marina Park in Comox. Knight even collected the rocks for the construction of the cairn.
This local monument is a visual appreciation by Comox Valley residents to the thousands of Canadian citizens who served and risked their lives during the longest conflict of the Second World War.
The Royal Canadian Naval Association is made up of serving and former naval veterans and is formed into various branches across Canada. The Association also includes Coast Guard and Merchant Marine members and includes support of the Canadian Cadet Organization.
The Comox Valley branch meets at 1 p.m. every third Wednesday at the meeting hall of Branch 160 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Comox.
— Royal Canadian Naval Association