Two local residents have been honoured for their commitment and dedication to Veterans. Richard Halliday and Gerald Sigrist were presented with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation at a ceremony in Halifax today. (Tuesday, September 13th). Halliday is a retired Canadian Forces Naval Veteran from East Clifford. He has been heavily involved with naval organizations since his retirement serving as President of the South Shore Naval Association (SSNA) from 1994 1997 and was instrumental with the affiliation of SSNA with the Royal Canadian Naval Association. Halliday currently serves as Parliamentary and Veterans Affairs Officer on the National Executive of the Royal Canadian Naval Association and continues to assist Veterans in obtaining benefits. Sigrist is a retired Canadian Forces Naval Veteran from Bridgewater. He is the founding President of the South Shore Naval Association, which was established in 1985 and changed its name to the Admiral Desmond Piers Naval Association (ADPNA) in 2003. He is currently Director of the ADPNA, Divisional Vice President for the Maritimes, and National Executive Secretary.
In April 2001, Her Majesty the Queen approved the design of a special bar to be worn with decorations to be known as the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. The Commendation is awarded annually to individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans. To date, more than 600 individuals have received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.