Ignatius Flynn, a Second World War veteran from Lourdes, is one of the latest recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.
Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port District, recently went to Mr. Flynn’s home and presented him with the medal and an accompanying certificate.
“It feels good and it’s really a privilege,” he said.
After coming home from the Second World War, Mr. Flynn became a member of the Great War Veterans Association of Newfoundland, which was replaced by the Royal Canadian Legion after confederation.
Mr. Flynn’s involvement with the legion dates back more than 60 years and he remembers helping out as a volunteer with the construction of the first legion building on Queen Street in Stephenville.
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Through the years he was involved in many poppy campaigns and served on the executive of the legion in a number of different roles.
He and wife Lillian have been married 63 years and they had 10 children together, one of whom is deceased.
Following in their father’s footsteps, two sons also served in the military. Fabian earned his way to the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring after 37 years of service; and Thomas made his way to master sergeant before his retirement after more than 30 years of service.
“It feels good and it’s really a privilege.” - Ignatius Flynn
During his working career, Mr. Flynn was a truck driver and an equipment inspector and was responsible for teaching a number of men, who worked on the construction of the Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, how to drive trucks.
Mr. Flynn was nominated for the medal by his son-in-law Kevin MacDonald of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.
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