Québec, Quebec
Private Sacha Paul Mathew, a piper with the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, is nominated for his passion to honour and commemorate Veterans.
Pte Mathew’s dedication to Veterans began in 1993 when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and was involved with the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch’s Poppy Campaign. Every year, he participates in the various ceremonies and activities during Veterans’ Week and on Remembrance Day. As a volunteer, he regularly visits the resident Veterans at Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Veterans’ Hospital to participate in activities such as bingo night, concerts, distribution of care packages and to socialize with Veterans.
In 1995, he became a member of the volunteer pipe band of the 306 (Maple Leaf) Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. For more than twenty years, he has participated in hundreds of commemorative events and ceremonies with the band and often on his own. He is also instrumental in organizing Remembrance Day ceremonies for schools in his community.
He often takes opportunities to speak to students about Canada’s military history and the importance of honoring our Veterans. His interest in military history was most recently recognized when he was appointed historian of the Black Watch Regimental Pipe Band.