Even to this day many people are still confused over the definition of who is actually a veteran.
Therefore I would like to clarify the matter: A veteran is any person who is serving or has honourably served in the Armed Forces of Canada or has served in the forces of a Commonwealth nation or has served in the forces of Canada’s wartime allies or who has served in the former merchant navy or former ferry command during wartime. Members of the RCMP were later included in this definition and are veterans as well.
A few years ago the Whitehorse Legion worked in cooperation with the Yukon government to produce and make available special vehicle plates to recognize Yukon veterans, for which we are much appreciative. The Whitehorse Legion and the Dawson City Legion are the designated verifying and approving authorities for these veteran’s plates in the Yukon as directed by the Yukon government.
As the veteran plates designated verifier for the Whitehorse Legion I should mention that BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion added another criteria in order to qualify for a veteran’s plate; in addition to the above definition, the Veteran must have met the National Defence Professional Classification, in other word must have completed military trade training and must provide acceptable proof of service.
Later on the City of Whitehorse has been gracious enough to offer free parking, with the usual time limits and restrictions to those vehicles bearing Yukon veterans license plates. This is not a right but simply a gesture of recognition to Yukon veterans. Therefore I would ask veterans to please respect this principle and do not abuse this most appreciated act of kindness.
I hope this clarifies the false thinking that only those military members who went to war can be veterans. As well, a person does not have to be a veteran to join the Legion. Anyone can join the Legion as long as they agree with the objectives and principles the Legion.
Lest we forgetl!
Red Grossinger
Past president,
Whitehorse Legion