In front of a large crowd of first responders, troops and supporters, Capt Trevor Greene officially dedicated our 10-room, fully accessible home on Wednesday November 10th, at 509 St. George Street, New Westminster, BC. This capped four years of effort by the Honour House Board, the construction industry and hundreds of volunteers.
It is anticipated that Honour House will be fully operational to start receiving guests in mid-January 2011.
Honourary Patron Trevor Green and his wife Debbie Lepore with VIP Guests
Director Cam Cathcart MC’d the day. VIP guests included Col Bryan Gagne, Commander 39 Brigade Group, New Westminster Police Chief Lorne Zapotichsky, New Westminster Fire Chief Tim Armstrong and Vancouver Construction Association Director Don Vandervoot.
Afghanistan and Peacekeeping veterans were in attendance.
Fanfare trumpeters from Vancouver Fire & Rescue, Royal Westminster Regiment and 15 Field Artillery Regiment.
Directors Jim Stanton and Cam Cathcart hold the official Honour House flag, designed by vexilologist Arthur Hughes.
Honour House President Al DeGenova spoke about the challenge offered to him to get Honour House up and running by then Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Rick Hillier. After four hard years work, Al presented his framed CDS Challenge coin for permanent display in the House.
Rich Coleman, Solicitor General and Housing Minister spoke about the need for places like Honour House and how the province of British Columbia committed $2 million to make the purchase of the property and land a reality.
Mayor Wayne Wright has been an ardent supporter of Honour House from the moment he found out about it. He and his council and staff have been unstinting in having the Home renovated in record time. Pat Buchannon was our official piper.
An Honour Guard comprised of members of the BC Ambulance Service, New Westminster Fire & Rescue Services, New Westminster Police Service and Royal Westminster Regiment emphasized the important role of first responders and our Armed Forces in Canada.
After declaring Honour House open, Captain Greene presented Al DeGenova with a souvenir Afghanistan Campaign coin.
Media coverage was extensive. Guests had an opportunity to view the interior of Honour House.
Doormat at entrance to the House
An upstairs bedroom, fully accessible, with ensuite bathroom.
Beautifully furnished and appointed common living room.
Dining room.