STRATFORD, Ont. - Canadian actor-director Paul Gross was one of fifteen Ontarians honoured Sunday for their efforts to promote the care, well-being and memories of Canadian veterans.
Gross received a commendation for raising awareness about veterans through his 2008 film "Passchendaele," about Canadian soldiers fighting in Belgium during the First World War.
"We really felt that he went out of his way to reach out and teach Canadians a little bit more about Canadian history," said Veterans Affairs spokeswoman Charlene Pascal.
Actor R.H. Thomson, best known for his role as "Jasper" in Road to Avonlea was also among the recipients. One of his efforts was to start vigils for soldiers who died in the First World War.
Both civilians and veterans were honoured.
Veteran Al Bacon of Bracebridge, Ont. was recognized for establishing a memorial in Ontario's Muskoka region, and helping veterans and their families get medals that were not originally granted.
He is also the head of a group trying to recover planes lost in training accidents in the lakes around Muskoka.
Other men and women were honoured at a ceremony in Stratford for their fundraising and helping children learn about veterans.
