BALA LEGION HOSTS D-DAY EVENT JUNE 6

BALA — With moving early morning ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day on Juno Beach today, Canadians are marking the historic turning point in the Second World War.

Muskoka veterans, their families and friends will no doubt be pausing to remember and take note.

Though there are no formal occasions to pay respects, at the Bala Royal Canadian Legion later this afternoon, an informal get-together will take place.

And the public is welcome to drop by for wings and a toast to those related, at least in spirit, to the 1944 invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France.

MP Tony Clement will be among those on hand today.

“We continue to appreciate the efforts of our veterans, specifically those from Parry Sound and Muskoka,” he said in a release this morning.

“After calling multiple legions in the riding, I was struck that there was not going to be a special event to honour this day in history.

“It is excellent news that Branch 424 president Dennis Mills and the Bala legion have decided to host something after our conversation,” said Clement.

On Thursday, June 6, the legion will be hosting a commemorative event with wings and beverages starting at 5 pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend: The Bala Royal Canadian Legion, 1011 Maple Ave.

Deceased Bracebridge D-Day soldier remembered

Several men and women from Parry Sound-Muskoka were also involved in D-Day.

Sybil Jackson, of Bracebridge, noted yesterday’s MuskokaTODAY.com story about George Swerbick, from 1994 and the 50th anniversary of the war event.

She said veterans in Bracebridge will also recall one of their own who died there.

“His name was John Kitchener Hooton and he was from Bracebridge,” said Jackson in an email last night.

“He was known as “Kitch” or “Kitchie” by family and friends.

“He was a Bombardier with the 14th Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery.

He was hit in his tank and died on D-Day.

“His body wasn’t recovered, but he is listed, along with others, in the museum in Bayeux, France.”

If you, too, know of any other local connections, email news@muskokatoday.com and put in the subject field: D-Day.