MDVA celebrates 75 years of camaraderie
On October 5, the Markham District Veterans Association (MDVA) commemorated its 75th anniversary with an open house at the association on 7 Washington Street.
President Michele Chalmers, Sargeant at Arms Larry Lau, Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillor Karen Rea, and officers of the York Region Police share their thoughts and experiences.
Chalmers, who has been on the MDVA board of directors for thirteen years, has served as president for the past year and previously held the role in 2019. She oversees the activities of the MDVA, including the bar, hall, rentals, and entertainment. Reflecting on the organization’s rich history, she reminisced about the 65th anniversary celebration: “It was a really big party. Everyone was dressed formally, and lots of veterans were in attendance.”
As Chalmers looks ahead to the 75th Anniversary Dinner and Dance, she says: “We celebrate our remaining Veterans and think fondly of those we have lost.”
Lau highlighted the association’s founding in 1949 and its growth to about 300 members today. Lau, who has been with the MDVA for a decade, emphasized the strong sense of camaraderie that the association fosters. He says it is his second family. He oversees ceremonies, parades, safety and security.
When asked why he joined the MDVA, Lau explains that he was a reservist in Hong Kong while it was a British Colony (until 1997). His public service has been extended to Markham. In 2015, he founded the 32 Military Police Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. Currently, he holds the rank of Lieutenant of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS).
Li, who attends community events when his schedule permits, acknowledges that the veterans have secured Canada’s peace and prosperity for future generations. He recalls that his uncle served in World War II. He was in Chan Kai Chek’s army and fought the Japanese in Kwangtung (Guangdong) Province, and later Communists at Kinmen (Quemoy) Island. With this record of military service in mind, he looks forward to joining the MDVA.
Rea, a member of the association for ten years, was initially drawn in during Remembrance Day ceremonies. “The MDVA is a place you can relax, enjoy the company of veterans and residents and experience a strong sense of camaraderie,” she notes. To her, the association feels like a second home, where individuals come together in support of one another and important community causes. She recalls that during COVID, the association had excellent outreach and cared for its members in the Markham-Stouffville.
Superintendent Sony Dosanjh, Inspector Brad Weick, and Sergeant David Flood from the District 5 York Region Police attended the open house to show their support for the MDVA. Dosanjh plans to return and enjoy the company and camaraderie.
As the MDVA celebrates this significant milestone, it reflects on its storied past and looks forward to a future of continued service and community engagement, honouring veterans and the values they uphold.
The MDVA Remembrance Day parade takes place on November 9. Visit mdva.ca for more information.
Photo: Sargeant at Arms Larry Lau with Michele and John Chalmers at the MDVA 75th anniversary open house celebration.
*Story submitted by Andrew Fuyarchuk.