Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Veterans Howard and Annie McNamara were honoured last week at Sainte-Anne’s veteran’s residence in Sainte-Anne de Bellevue last week. Speaking with The Suburban, the couple, aged 103 and 102, shared their experiences meeting each other near the end of World War II shortly after their return from their respective European tours.

Fellow veterans and staff organized the tribute. Alain Vandecruys, Immediate past president of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association presented the with 25-year service pins. They received 100-year pins from the Royal Canadian Air Force which will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary next spring. They also received lifetime blazer badges from the Director-General in Ottawa and certificates, signed by Terry Chester, RCAFA National President.

“We didn’t expect it. Whoever kept a secret sure kept it good,” Mrs. McNamara told The Suburban. At that moment, Mr. McNamara revealed that he discovered the secret prior to the event, but was asked to keep the surprise for Mrs. McNamara.

“It is so nice when people take the time to come and talk to us, to listen to our stories. This was a lovely day that I will remember forever,” she said.

Mrs. McNamara performed with an entertainment unit formed to support and lift the spirits of the troops in the RCAF. Her group performed in Canada, the United States and Europe.

Mr. McNamara served as a pilot in the RCAF in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. At age 20, he joined the forces with his younger brother Ian McNamara, aged 18 at the time. Following his return from Europe in 1945, Mr. McNamara was informed that his brother had been killed.

“We did our duty,” Mr. McNamara said stoically. “We had a job to do and we did it. If I had to talk to a son today, I would not want him to go but I would not stop him, because it is our duty to protect the country.”

The couple met in Verdun at a dance in 1946, shortly after Mrs. McNamara returned from her tours. They married in 1948 at ages 28 and 27.

“We have had a good life, together — we travelled the world.. again…” Mrs. McNamara said.

Today, they share their memories in conversations about their lives together as well as their experiences serving the country. “He reminds me of certain things and I remind him of certain things.” n