Port Moody, British Columbia
Mr. Black is a Canadian Forces Veteran (Reserves) who volunteers considerable time to commemoration within the Veteran community. In 2008, he was instrumental in organizing the largest Korean War Commemorative event which was held at the Burnaby Village Museum in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Mr. Black also successfully arranged for free admission to the Burnaby Village Museum that same day. In the past, free admission was only permitted on Canada Day, so this was a triumph. In previous years, Mr. Black made arrangements for smaller but similar ceremonies in the City of Port Moody, where he organized several commemorative events attracting thousands of visitors, including displays of period military vehicles and artefacts. Mr. Black arranged for more than 25 groups and organizations to setup displays and participate. He had pipe bands and open and closing ceremonies which made the events an overwhelming success. Mr. Black also arranged for Veterans, dignitaries and VIPs to be transported in period, military vehicles from the museum to an event in Burnaby Central Park at the new Korea Monument which was unveiled in 2007. Mr. Black was also successful in lobbying the Provincial Government to proclaim July 27th as Korea Veterans Day in British Columbia and was the author of the proclamation.