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Veteran recognized

Surrey’s Earl Fraser has received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
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Earle Fraser

Surrey’s Earl Fraser has received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

The award is one of 13 given in B.C. recently to people  who have performed commendable service to the veteran community or represent commendable role models for their fellow Veterans.

Fraser served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1962 to 1964 and was released due to an injury which cost him nearly all sight in his left eye.

He has been a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion since 1964 and is a past-president of Cloverdale Branch #6 and a past zone commander.

Several years ago, Fraser undertook a project to have 32 grave markers placed at unmarked graves of First and Second World War veterans in the Surrey Centre Cemetery. The project was completed with a first-ever civic military parade.

When the Cloverdale Cenotaph was required to be moved due to highway construction, Fraser was instrumental in raising the funds necessary to have the cenotaph fully restored and for a rededication ceremony during a Remembrance Day service.

Fraser has been his branch’s Service Officer for more than 20 years and works closely with the local Veterans Affairs Canada office to ensure Veterans are receiving appropriate benefits. As chair of his branch’s Sick and Visiting Committee, he can often be found visiting veterans in hospital or at the George Derby Centre.

“These individuals have made a real and lasting difference,” said Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs. “On behalf of all Canadians, I am proud to acknowledge their extraordinary efforts in helping to provide the care and recognition our veterans and their families deserve. Today we recognize their hard work and selfless commitment.”