November 4, 2009
MLA Honours Last Post Fund Anniversary

VICTORIA – Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordie Hogg stood in the B.C. Legislature yesterday to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Last Post Fund, celebrating its long history and honouring its founder, veteran Arthur Hair.  Below is a transcript of his statement:

“The founder of the Last Post Fund, veteran Arthur Hair, said ‘to honour and protect in death seems but a small return to those who protected their country in life.’

“In Montreal in 1909, motivated by a powerful sense of patriotism, he is reported to have moved heaven and earth to ensure that no indigent soldiers would be buried without respect and dignity. That singular act of compassion was the launch of an incredible national organization which has lived by the same principles for the past 100 years — the principles of dignity, compassion and respect. In cooperation with Veteran Affairs Canada, the Last Post Fund ensures that no eligible veteran is deprived of a dignified funeral, burial or headstone.

“Over the past century, the Last Post Fund has arranged funerals for over 145,000 veterans. They honour those who have served our country, and they keep the memories of their service alive for future generations.

“There are still approximately 3,000 unmarked veterans' graves in British Columbia, and each of us can assist in ensuring that those veterans' contributions are remembered with the deference and appreciation which they so richly deserve. As Arthur Hair said, ‘The Last Post Fund is not a charity, it is a duty.’

“I ask this Legislature to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Last Post Fund, to congratulate its members and to thank them for the important work that they have done and continue to do on behalf of all Canadians.”

For a video of MLA Hogg’s statement in the B.C. Legislature, visit his website.

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