World War II veterans from Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex could be headed to Europe this fall, but they need your help to get there.
The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment helped liberate a number of towns in the Netherlands and Belgium, and its surviving members were recently invited back to a couple of them.
"We've received a couple to requests now from communities in Belgium that wish to honour our Canadian veterans," said Dennis Poole, Officer Commanding, Delta Company. "Specifically with the Essex & Kent Scottish who liberated their towns, and villages, and cities back in 1944 and 45."
Poole said the veterans are now in their mid-90's and there are only about 10 left in the regiment.
"Veterans Affairs Canada will cover some of their expenses and reimburse them upon their arrival back. What we're trying to do it develop a bit of a war-chest, a bank account, to have some funds in the bank to support these veterans to go over, and a caregiver as well."
Poole anticipates receiving more invitations in 2020.
"These communities would really like to honour them. And they're dedicating monuments to the regiment, as well as even naming streets and squares after our regiment. So it's a pretty significant and important function."
Donations can be made to the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment Association, details on how to donate can be found on their website, www.ekscot.org.