THUNDER BAY -- Jim Crooks’ father didn’t discuss his time serving in the Second World War often, but when he did he referred to it as his ‘great adventure.’
The late Jamie Crooks, a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy, and Sgt. Don Bliss of the Lake Superior Regiment were awarded the Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour from the Republic of France Thursday afternoon at the Armoury on Park Avenue.
“For me personally, it’s quite an honour and it’s been a learning experience because my father did not talk about his wartime experience to any great extent,” said Jim Crooks, who accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
Jamie Crooks died in April, but was aware he would be receiving the award.
France’s government is paying tribute to 49 Canadian veterans who were part of the Battle of Normandy and the D-Day landings with the Legion of Honour award as part of their events commemorating the 70th anniversary of those campaigns.
While Jamie Crooks didn’t talk about his experience, his son did say he enjoyed and valued his naval experience.
“When I look on some of his characteristics through his life, he certainly acquired some phenomenal life skills during his time in the navy. I’m sure he learned a lot of lessons both from the navy and from the war. I’m sure he saw a lot of hardship but he was not one to dwell on any of that,” said Jim Crooks.
“For us as a family, it’s give us cause to go into some of his memorabilia, to look up some information in the archives to learn more that way about his navy experience and his wartime experience.”
Bliss was on hand at the ceremony and accepted the Legion of Honour award from MP John Rafferty (NDP, Thunder Bay-Rainy River).
He said it felt wonderful to receive the recognition, especially with several family members there to support him, including his great-grandchildren.
“It was something unexpected,” he said.
For Rafferty, events like this one are humbling.
“The Legion of Honour is a very prestigious award and it’s not given lightly,” he said.
