Growing up Don Oram's heroes weren't athletes, they were veterans.
It's why he's spent the past 50 years working with the local legion. A past-president and district commander, Oram was one of several legion members on hand Monday night as city council unanimously decided to lobby the federal government to reconsider closing the veterans affairs office in Thunder Bay. The office is one of nine across the country slated to close early next year.
"It definitely means a lot to us to have the council back us up," Oram said.
His brother, a veteran of the Second World War, made a dollar a day while serving in the navy. Later in life he needed help with hearing aids and other equipment and got it thanks to the efforts of the local office.
"They'll pretty much help you with anything," Oram said.
But with the closest office being in North Bay if the closure happens, a lot of elderly veterans might not find that help if they have to travel or call a toll-free number.
"That's ridiculous," Oram said.
Mayor Keith Hobbs, who introduced the idea to oppose the closure, said he told the Conservative government exactly what he thought of having people who sacrificed so much waiting on hold to get service.
"It's shameful," he said.
Oram worries that the actions of the federal government are leaving veterans behind and forgotten. He hopes other councils across the country take Thunder Bay's lead and help keep local veterans offices open.
