OTTAWA
,
Nov. 10
/CNW Telbec/ - Laying a wreath this
November 11
at the national cenotaph in
Ottawa
is the latest of several gestures
Dr. Richard Johnston
, FRCSC, has made over his lifetime to honour and remember the sacrifices made by Canadians. Continuing his personal appreciation for the efforts made by all Canadian veterans -- past and present -- is something that he is deeply passionate about. "When you hear their individual stories, the small victories, their losses, you realize that clapping once a year is not enough," he said.
In 2004,
Dr. Johnston
and other like-minded individuals started the Take a Veteran to Dinner Night. It was a simple but personal way to thank veterans and their spouses by treating them to dinner. This idea has extended from his hometown of Orillia, Ont., to two other cities including
Ottawa
where the event is in its second year.
Dr. Johnston
, FRCSC, has strong family connections to military service. His father,
Major William
S. Johnston, MD, FRCPC, served overseas as part of the Royal Canadian Medical Corps., while his father-in-law Surgeon-Lieutenant
Warren Wilkins
, MD, FRCPC, served out of
Halifax
, N.S. in the Royal Canadian Navy. These experiences have contributed to his interest and commitment to Canadian medical and military history.
A member of Council for the past eight years,
Dr. Johnston
will represent the
Royal College
in laying the wreath to honour the service of all military men and women, including
Royal College
members, who have served in past and present military conflicts. The
Royal College
honours a legacy of service in conflicts, including World Wars I and II, Korea and currently,
Afghanistan
.
About the
Royal College
The
Royal College
of Physicians and Surgeons of
Canada
is the national professional association for specialty medicine in
Canada
. With over 42,000 specialists, the
Royal College
is dedicated to improving the health of Canadians by setting the highest standards in postgraduate medical education including lifelong learning, and to promoting sound health policy. Established by a special Act of Parliament in 1929, this year the organization celebrates 80 years of working together for excellence in specialty medicine.
For further information: and to arrange an interview contact: Sandy Shearman, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Phone: (613) 730-8177 ext. 464, Cell: (613) 614-3740, Email: [email protected], Website: www.royalcollege.ca
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