Billy Bishop Home: Museum, Archives and National Historic Site and Branch #6 of the Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting the 17th Annual Honouring Our Local Veterans (HOLV) on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at 2:00 PM at the Owen Sound Legion.

This year 11 Veterans from Grey and Bruce Counties who have served and sacrificed for their country will be recognized. To date this program has honoured the service of over 140 First World War, Second World War and Korean War Veterans from Grey and Bruce Counties.

The honoured Veterans will be introduced by the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Guard and a ceremonial piper. Several local dignitaries will also be on-hand to congratulate this year's honourees.

To mark the 100th Anniversary of the Victoria Cross "Dawn Attack" Flight we are honouring William Avery "Billy" Bishop in a special dedication. His granddaughter, Diana Bishop, will be there to accept his plaque.

This year's honourees are:

William Avery Bishop, Air Marshal, Royal Canadian Air Force, First and Second World War.

Born and raised in Owen Sound, Billy went on to become Canada's highest scoring First World War pilot with 72 victories. During the Second World War Billy was in charge of recruiting for the RCAF. Billy passed away in 1956.

Wallace Frederick Edwards, Leading Aircraftsman, Royal Canadian Air Force, Second World War.

Wally worked as an Airplane Mechanic looking after the motors, gassing and wiping down the planes.

Winnifred "Davey" Gardner, Private, Canadian Army, Second World War.

Davey was stationed at Camp X in the Secret Service: Communications where she worked with morse code and deciphering messages and was a keyboard operator.

Leslie Alison Gosling, Sergeant, Royal Canadian Air Force, Cold War era.

Alison worked as a Fighter Control Operator, tracking and controlling air traffic; a Finance Clerk, in accounts payable; and as a Supply Tech.

Peter Kipp, Private, Canadian Army, Second World War.

Pete joined the Army at the age of 17. He was trained in drafting plans.

Glenwood Roy Lees, Captain, Royal Canadian Air Force, Second World War and Cold War Era

Glen trained to become a Wireless Air Gunner – Radio Operator. He re-enlisted in 1953 and served for another 19 years. Glen passed away in 2014.

James Duncan MacArthur, Aircraftsman 1, Royal Canadian Air Force, Second World War.

Jim was part of a group that joined up together from high school, but he was discharged in 1944 as the RCAF had enough Aircraftsmen at the time.

Robert Thomas James Mitchell, Corporal, Canadian Army, Afghanistan.

Jim trained to drive, be a gunner and navigate a Coyote. In 2006, Jim was involved in Operation Medusa in Afghanistan. It was while serving in Afghanistan that, sadly, Jim was killed in action on October 3, 2006.

Timothy Adam Northcotte, Sergeant, Canadian Army, Afghanistan

Timothy joined the Grey and Simcoe Foresters in 2003 and was part of Operation Athena and Operation Archer in 2005.

Pieter Reinders, Sergeant, Royal Netherlands Army, Post Second World War.

Pieter was called up to service on June of 1955 in Vught, Holland. During his time in the service, he trained soldiers in weapons.

Benjamen James McArthur Watson, Master Corporal, Canadian Army, Afghanistan

Ben enlisted in 2006 and was part of Operation Athena.

Honouring Our Local Veterans is one of the longest running programs of its kind in Canada that recognizes the service of Canadians in foreign theatres of war. It offers the community a unique opportunity to hear stories from those involved in past conflicts.

Admission is by donation and all are welcome. Social time with light refreshments generously donated by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary will follow the ceremony.

source: media release, Billy Bishop Home & Museum