The President of the Pembroke Legion Branch 72, Stan Halliday, says they are fortunate to have a 98-year-old World War II veteran as the Silver Cross Mother this year.
Halliday says Connie Hodgson was born in Scotland, is a 38-year legion member and joined the women’s army in 1944 where she served two years. The President of the Pembroke Legion says she moved to Pembroke in 1951 and still lives in the city today.
Halliday says Connie served as guard at the Renfrew County jail for 10-years and was an avid curler and golfer until two years ago. He adds Connie’s husband Steven had 24 flights, was a distinguished member of the air crew in Europe, a member of the caterpillar club, was shot down and taken captive in 1945 and after retiring from the air force, Steven was employed at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).
Halliday will lay a wreath with Connie Hodgson as part of the Remembrance Day ceremony in Pembroke on Friday. This year there will be a parade in Pembroke leaving from the legion and ending at the cenotaph. The ceremony at the cenotaph will start shortly before 11:00am.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)