First Nation leaders, military personnel and politicians gathered on Manitoulin Island over the last two days to honour a local war veteran who turned just 100 years old.
Justin Roy of M’Chigeeng First Nation was part of the Juno Beach landings on June 6, 1944, and is said to be the Island’s last living veteran from the Second World War.
Second World War veteran Justin Roy celebrates his 100th birthday on Manitoulin Island. August 19, 2024
He returned to Manitoulin after living in Arizona for the last 50 years. A celebration in Roy’s honour was held at the legion in Little Current on Monday evening.
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige presented him with a birch bark quill box and tufted porcupine necklace on behalf of the 39 Anishinabek Nations, his great niece Debbie Debassige told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an email.
The gesture brought him tears of joy, Debassige said.
“It was an honour to meet and celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr. Justin Roy, Manitoulin’s last living World War II veteran,” said Sylvain Boucher, of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) 348 Manitoulin.
Boucher brought his highest-ranking cadet with him when he gave his speech at the gathering for Roy.
Second World War veteran Justin Roy celebrates his 100th birthday on Manitoulin Island. August 19, 2024
Second World War veteran Justin Roy celebrates his 100th birthday on Manitoulin Island. August 19, 2024
The centenarian was also presented with a certification of honourary membership in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 177 by Little Current Lions Club membership chair Tammy Bryan-Walsh.
A congratulatory certificate was presented by Linda Bowerman on behalf of MPP Michael Mantha.
A tea was held in Roy’s honour on Tuesday at Anishinaabemowin Gaming in M’Chigeeng from 1-3 p.m.