Virden veteran John Newman has been honoured with a Quilt of Valour for his service during WWII. The 98-year-old served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and is one of just a handful of surviving WWII veterans in the Virden area.
Newman says he worked at the Virden airport repairing RCAF planes, particularly Tiger Moths. He fueled and cleaned the aircraft and was also responsible for safety measures like lighting flairs during night flights and ensuring occupants were safely buckled in.
Another Virden serviceman, Bombardier (ret’d) Geoff Logue, was the veteran who applied for the quilt on Newman’s behalf.
He got to know the senior while visiting residents with his service dog at the Sherwood Personal Care Home in Virden. That’s where he learned Newman has no family in the area and wanted to do something for him.
Virden RCMP Staff Sgt. Joe Frizzley, who participated in the presentation, told the Virden Empire-Advance that the quilt given to Newman, “has been across Canada and was signed by many other veterans. It’s a symbol of support… from the country and from fellow veterans.”
The organization Quilts of Valour came to Canada in 2009. Since then, quilts have been delivered to Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present, who have been injured while deployed as well as those with injuries visible and invisible.
The quilts are made by volunteer quilters across the country to show their appreciation for the veterans’ bravery and commitment to Canada.
