A star-studded 100th birthday party was held to recognize a D-Day veteran instrumental to Alberta's military heritage.
Second World War veteran Capt. William "Bill" Wilson of High River celebrated his centennial at HMCS Tecumseh, a naval base in Calgary, with family, friends and supporters on Oct. 25.
Wilson was 18 when he joined the Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1942, and found himself off the coast of France aboard the HMCS Ottawa — where he was the vessel's youngest crew member at 19 — during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.
Following the war, Wilson received the Atlantic Star for his service and enjoyed a lengthy career in the railway industry, with his career taking the Winnipeg-born veteran across Canada before landing him in Alberta in the 1970s.
Wilson, who re-enlisted through the naval reserves in 1945, retired with the rank of captain in 1979, marking nearly four decades since he enlisted during the Second World War. His lengthy list of titles includes Officer of the Order of Military Merit, Commander of the Order of St. John and Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Wilson's support of the armed forces continued as a civilian: he was a founding member of the Naval Museum of Alberta Society, leading to the museum's creation in 1988, and was subsequently instrumental in the development of The Military Museums, Western Canada's largest tri-service military educational institution.
His mark on the province's history and military heritage was recognized by Alberta Premier and fellow High River resident Danielle Smith, who was at the celebration to give a speech commemorating his service during and after D-Day.
"While so many others perished (during the Battle of Normandy), Captain Bill survived this historic battle, and that's something that we should all be grateful for. Because of every one of those brave soldiers, sailors and aviators, we are able to enjoy the freedoms that we have today," said Smith.
"I'm so pleased that I got to know Captain Bill and Phyllis (his wife) as they came to see us down at the Dining Car," she added, referring to the High River railcar restaurant she and husband David Moretta owned.
Smith was joined by fellow dignitaries Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Foothills MP John Barlow at the celebration.
Recognition for Wilson's service made its way to Ottawa on Sept. 24, when Barlow formally wished him a happy birthday in the House of Commons.
Barlow, who said "it is an honour today to recognize Captain William H. Wilson, a man who has served his country and his community more in his 100 years than any of us could possibly dream of doing in 100 lifetimes," presented Wilson with a letter from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre during the celebration.
"Foothills thanks him for his service," said Barlow.
Learn more about Wilson's many accomplishments and accolades on the Alberta Order of Excellence website.
