NO President and members of the MNOVC met Alex Boucher
in his Britt, ON home for a birthday celebration.
Back row left to right: MNO President Margaret Froh, MNO Veterans
Council members Paul Pirie, Rob Baskey, and Brian Black.
Front: Alex Boucher
Métis World War II Veteran Alex Boucher recently celebrated his 107 birthday surrounded by family and some very special guests.
On Saturday, January 25, Boucher’s family, members of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Veteran Council, and MNO President Margaret Froh met at his Britt, ON home to honour the Veteran and recognize his many accomplishments and years of service. Brian Black, President of the MNOVC, presented Boucher with several gifts, including a fleece blanket, a flag, and a special Métis Veteran Sash adorned with Blue (Air Force), Green (Army), Black (Navy), Light Blue (the United Nations) Red and White stripes to represent the Canadian flag and Boucher’s service to Canada.
Included in Saturday’s celebration, was a very special guest. John Boyd, a World War II Veteran residing at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto, ON who shares the same birthday with Boucher and was also celebrating turning 107.
A Skype call was coordinated on Saturday between the two Veterans who, thanks to the technology, were able to meet for the first time face-to-face. The call concluded with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday, complete with birthday cake and with smiles all around.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs, Lawrence MacAuley, also passed along best birthday wishes to the Veterans with a special recorded birthday greeting.
“I want to congratulate you on behalf of the government of Canada and, of course on my own behalf,” said MacAuley. “I also want to thank you for what you did for this country. When somebody needed to stand up and defend us, you were there. Alex, have a wonderful birthday and thank you so much.”
Born January 27, 1913, Boucher is currently the oldest Métis Veteran in all of Canada. He served from 1942-1945 as Corporal in the Army Infantry and Medical Corps. While serving, he was also responsible for training new recruits in battlefield medical procedures and on the rifle range. Boucher is a decorated individual, having received the Louis Riel medal and Order of the Sash among others.
The Métis Nation of Ontario would like to send its best wishes to Alex Boucher, John Boyd, and their friends and family on this celebratory day.
Posted: January 27, 2020