Robert Manuel (veteran)

Robert "Bob" Edward Manuel Sr. (born February 21, 1935 in Stourbridge, England) is a Korean War Veteran best known for getting Vimy Ridge recognized as a National Heritage Day in Canada.

Early life

Robert Manuel was born in the small town of Stourbridge, England, and later, immigrated to Canada where he was raised and educated in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada. Robert was involved in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and by the age of 13, was Rank Captain. After years of army training, Manuel signed up to be a Peacekeeper in the Korean War. [http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/391/ACVA/Evidence/EV2889516/ACVAEV38-E.PDF]

Post-War Life

Robert went back to Canada and resided in Elliot Lake, Ontario, in the year 1956 and has lived there ever since. He met Colleen Foster, and they wed on July 28, 1956. The two had four children together-Robert, Christine, Stephen, and Terry. Bob was an underground electrician for many years and retired to do other things and give back to society.

Contributions and Community Service

Bob Manuel has contributed much to society throughout his life. He was the founding member of the Elliot Lake Legion Branch 561 marching band [http://www.cleonet.ca/workerphotos/iw_robert.html] , where he was a drum major, though he had to eventually retire due to an ailing back. He was the Director of the Elliot Lake Chamber of Commerce, and Regional Director of the Terry Fox Foundations for 10 years. Bob has organized many organizations such as the Korean Veterans Association [http://www.kvacanada.com/unit_73.htm] , the Navy League of Elliot Lake and most notably, the Legion Marching band. In the community of Elliot Lake, Bob has introduced the Elliot Lake Winter Fest and the annual Legion New Years Leveé and with the support of his wife Colleen, to a great extent, a number of other events in Elliot Lake.

Achievements

Bob has done great, acknowledgeable things, including garnering support from people of all walks of life in getting the battle of Vimy Ridge [http://www.manitoulin.ca/Expositor/old%20files/apr9_2003.htm] recognized as a national heritage day in Canada. This day, April 9th from 2004 forward, will forever remind us of the great sacrifice and contribution Canada and her gallant soldiers made to the World. Manuel also initiated recognition of the Canadian Peace Keepers Day in Ontario which is also a nationally recognized day in Canada which falls on August 9th. [http://www.brentstdenis.parl.gc.ca/detail.asp?lang=e&type=med&sid=2325]

Current Community Service

Robert Manuel currently is the chairman at the Woodland Cemetery Memorial Pilgrimage Annual July 1 Observance. He is also an executive member in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 561, and has been for 35 years, having attained the highest award the Legion provides. He is a fund raiser for the Kidney Foundation in Elliot Lake and has started a fund raiser of his own, called Koins for Kids-Christian Children's Fund of Canada.

Awards and Honours

*Jaycee of the Year - 1964
*Past Presidents Metal - Royal Canadian Legion (seven terms)
*Life Member - Royal Canadian Legion
*Certificate of Merit - Canada Council
*Certificate of Merit - Terry Fox Youth Centre
*15 Year Volunteer Service Award - Ministry of Citizenship - Ontario
*Korean Veterans Association - Merit Medal
*Legion Dominion Command - highest award - The Palm Leaf
*Friendship Awards - First Elliot Lake Scouts
*Governor General Award for Volunteers - 1992
*Canadian Peace Keeping Medal
*Elliot Lake Civic Award - 2001
*Coronation Medal - 1952
*Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal
*Ambassadors Peace Medal - Korean Government
*Ontario Bi-Centennial Medal - Province of Ontario
*Canada 125 Medal

External links

* [http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/391/ACVA/Evidence/EV2889516/ACVAEV38-E.PDF Veteran Affairs]
* [http://www.cleonet.ca/workerphotos/iw_robert.html Robert Manuel]
* [http://www.kvacanada.com/unit_73.htm Korean Veterans Association]
* [http://www.manitoulin.ca/Expositor/old%20files/apr9_2003.htm Vimy Ridge bill Passed]
* [http://www.brentstdenis.parl.gc.ca/detail.asp?lang=e&type=med&sid=2325 Peacekeepers Day Bill Passes committee stage]