Mr. Emberly is a Second World War Veteran who served with Canada's Merchant Navy. After the war he served in the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard and spent 15 years in the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. Mr. Emberly is a longstanding, active member of the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association and has held numerous positions including National Director, Vice Chair and Chairman of the Vancouver Island Branch. As a result of these positions, he has successfully hosted two National Annual General Meetings and Conventions. Under his leadership, more than 30 memorial plaques to Merchant Navy Veterans have been placed throughout Vancouver Island. As part of the "Memory Project", he regularly visits local schools, speaking to various age groups about the importance of remembrance. Mr. Emberly is also involved in organizing candlelight ceremonies to honour the contribution and sacrifice of those who served their country. Mr. Emberly regularly visits Veterans who reside in hospitals and long-term care facilities across Vancouver Island.