Halifax, Nova Scotia
Following a long and distinguished career with the Royal Canadian Navy, Mr. Graham McBride has been fiercely committed to the welfare of his fellow Veterans, to the preservation of their legacy and to educating Canadians about their country’s military history.
Mr. McBride has volunteered with several organizations, including the Navy League of Canada (sea cadets) for decades and the Korea Veterans Association where he has served as the Unit’s Vice President for five years and is currently the Unit President, saving the Halifax Unit from collapse. He makes monthly visits to Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Hospital, often recruiting support from his wife of over 65 years, Margaret, and providing entertainment and refreshments. He is known for supporting families of Veterans at funerals. Mr. McBride also volunteers with the Admiral Desmond Piers Naval Association, participating in ceremonies in numerous South Shore communities and sponsoring scholarships. He is active with the Lighthouse Preservation Society and the Mahone Bay Ship Building and Historical Society.
Since 1985, Mr. McBride has been with the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust (HMCS Sackville), conducting visitor tours and, until recently, assisting with the transport of ashes of deceased sailors and wives for sea burial during the Battle of Atlantic remembrance activities.
In 1988, when the Atlantic Chief and Petty Officers Association was incorporated, Mr. McBride was one of the founding members. Since that time, he has been a member of the Board of Directors and served as President and Vice President for seven years. As a member of the Association, he is often heading up a special project, such as the downtown Halifax Sailor Monument. Mr. McBride spent countless days raising money for the $250,000 project, and he designed the ships used at the base of the statue. The Naval Monument (Royal Canadian Navy Lost Ships Memorial) was another major undertaking of Mr. McBride with the Atlantic Chief and Petty Officer Association.