Veteran Ralph Diegel conducted our annual Remembrance Day program.

November 9, 2009

Veteran and Rotarian past president Ralph Diegel conducted our annual Remembrance Day Program.  President Andrew Layne chaired the luncheon session and Legion President Preston Quirt chaired the ceremonial and remembrance dedication.

Milt Colyer retired Rotarian and WWII veteran was guest speaker.  He recounted some of his adventures, high tension and critical events during his service in the Navy.  He served on a frigate patrolling English Channel meeting and escorting merchant ships across the Atlantic and hunting out German subs and aircraft.

His ship took part in the Invasion of Normandy on D-Day.  In that invasion, his ship "Teme" collided with an aircraft carrier and was severely damaged with loss of 4 lives.  The frigate made it to Cardiff for essential rebuilding.

His ship was later torpedoed by a German sub that knocked off 60 feet of stern.  Floating helplessly, the crew were forced to abandon ship and were fortunate to survive. 

On V-E Day, Milt celebrated in Trafalgar Square with thousands of jubilant British people.

Milt was thanked by veteran Bruce Goulet who implored members to support the Legion and work to avoid war.

Special Guest of the club for this program: Lois Douglas, veteran WREN, and widow of Jon Douglas who served in the air force.  Ed Nicolson of the Legion, a veteran of Korea.  Howie Bondett, who grew up in North Bay, joined the air force, parachuted in Germany and was a prisoner of war for 2 years.  The club expressed their appreciation for the service of the distinguished veteran guests.

The members extend their appreciation to Ralph Diegel for continuing to organize and participate in this very special program assisted by RCL Br 23. 

We thank the Legion colour party under the direction of Bill Eisen for their attendance and participation.