The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 in Huntsville hosted its annual honours and awards ceremony on May 24, bringing together Legion members, local politicians, community guests, and one special war veteran.
Numerous awards were presented to Legion and community members during the event, but the afternoon’s main focus was honouring longtime Legion member and Second World War veteran Lawrence Main for his 80 years of service with the Royal Canadian Legion. At 100 years old, Main remains a respected and dedicated member of the Legion community.
Main served in the Canadian Army during the Second World War from 1944 to 1946. Shortly after returning home, he joined the Royal Canadian Legion in September 1946 at Branch 22 in Toronto. He later transferred to other branches as he moved with his family throughout Ontario. His work in Orillia at Branch 34 in 1972 earned him an Award of Merit in recognition of his community and veteran support efforts.
Main later became a member of Branch 405 in Burk’s Falls, where he served as Sergeant-at-Arms and later a branch president in 1982.
Main has been a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 in Huntsville since September 2009.
During the celebration, tributes and awards were presented by the Legion, Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock on behalf of the Town of Huntsville, Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison, and representatives from the office of Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith.
“Congratulations on your 80 years of service… I am delighted to congratulate you on reaching an extraordinary milestone,” Smith said in a statement. “Your lifelong commitment, service, and support has helped strengthen not only the Legion, but also the spirit of remembrance, camaraderie, and community across generations.”
