104-year-old veteran that passed before Remembrance Day honoured for legacy

One of Manitoba's last surviving Second World War veterans, Leonard (Len) Van Roon, passed away on October 26 at the age of 104. However, his legacy and advocacy continue to be remembered by the community. Son Len Van Roon Jr. expressed sadness initially but quickly shifted to pride in his father's accomplishments and community involvement.

Van Roon participated in D-Day, being among the first waves to hit Juno Beach, where Canadian forces suffered over 1,000 casualties. The D-Day operation was considered a turning point in the war. The Len Van Roon Tulip Garden was established at the Charleswood Legion, with flowers gifted from Holland, a place the veteran helped liberate.

Charleswood Legion Chair Tom Crew emphasized that the garden symbolizes remembering the sacrifices made during the First and Second World Wars and subsequent conflicts. After the war, Van Roon focused on educating the public, especially school children, about the importance of peace. His son noted that his father had always conveyed the message that war was a terrible thing and should be avoided.