Kars, Ontario
Major (Retired) Michael Calnan is a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, who retired in after 43.5 years of service. He is nominated for his work forming the Swords and Ploughshares Museum.
He founded the museum in 1987, using his extensive collection of military vehicles and artifacts. The collection consists of artillery pieces, armoured personnel carriers and trucks from the First World War to present, many of which have been restored to running condition. The museum aims to demonstrate the military use of the equipment, and where possible, their uses in the civilian world. It also has a program to assist local communities to restore their military monuments.
On top of maintaining the museum, he has supported numerous national and local commemorative ceremonies. These historical events in the National Capital Region and throughout Eastern Ontario include ceremonies for National Peacekeepers’ Day, VJ Day, the Battle of Britain and for funerals at the National Military Cemetery.
Maj. Canlan frequently provides museum tours to cadet and youth groups, schools, local charities, and members of the public. He and other museum volunteers often visit local Veterans in their community and offered his museum as a location for Veterans with service-related illnesses or injuries to gather and socialize in a positive manner.