Lee Naylor has been honoured for his commitment and dedication to the veteran community.
He was one of 13 British Columbians who received a commendation from the Minister of Veterans Affairs on Dec. 12. The award is presented to individuals who have contributed to the care and well-being of veterans, and to the remembrance of their contributions, sacrifices and achievements.
“It was humbling,” said Naylor, a retired Canadian Forces officer and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient. “The work I do is for the Hong Kong veterans and their families. I don’t expect any reward for this. Their story is unknown to so many in Canada.”
Commendation includes a bar, which can be worn below official decorations on a recipient’s blazer, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a certificate.
Naylor is the son of a Second World War veteran who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong and endured many hardships as a prisoner of war. His father’s experience led him to became heavily involved in preserving the stories of those Canadians who fought in Hong Kong during the Second World War. Naylor has been the education chair of the Hong Kong Veterans’ Commemorative Association of B.C. since 2008 and the Association’s director since 2009.
He has also set up educational displays at teachers’ workshops and conferences at the Chilliwack Museum and participated in organizing a three-week study tour of Asia as part of the Association for Learning and Preserving Second World War History in Asia.