Pinawa, Manitoba
Mr. Lopata has made an outstanding contribution in commemorating the service and sacrifice of Canada’s Veterans. He joined The Winnipeg Grenadiers as a cadet in 1961 and eventually he became Commanding Officer of the Cadet Corps. He has also had a long association with the Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada (Manitoba Branch) which presented him with an Honourary Life Membership in 2005. Among his many achievements, Mr. Lopata has been steadfast in sharing the story of The Winnipeg Grenadiers, ensuring that the Cadet Corps participated in the annual Battle of Hong Kong ceremonies, and taking part in the Colour Party of the Hong Kong Veterans at all Veterans events. Mr. Lopata is actively involved in the Hong Kong Veterans' Memorial Project Committee which hopes to establish a Memorial Interpretative Centre to perpetuate the memory of the men and women of “C” Force, the Canadian Army Brigade that fought at the Battle of Hong Kong.