Philip Booker has dedicated over 40 years to passionately serving Veterans and preserving their legacy. Through his longstanding involvement with the Toronto Scottish Regimental Association and The Royal Canadian Legion, he has made a profound and lasting impact on both the Veteran community and the broader public.
For the past 41 years, Philip has been an active member of The Toronto Scottish Regimental Association, where he has served as both Past President and Past Director. In these roles, he has represented the interests of Second World War Veterans and current serving members on the Regimental Senate. He has also acted as a liaison to other Veteran Regimental Associations in the region. As a founding committee member of the Regimental Museum, Philip played a key role in its establishment—assisting the curator in setting up exhibits, building display cases, and securing funding to acquire Second World War medals and memorabilia.
Philip has been instrumental in commemorating the Regiment’s involvement in the Second World War. He has helped organize pilgrimages for Veterans to visit war graves in France and served on committees responsible for designing and installing bronze plaques at significant battle sites. Notably, a plaque was placed on the Canada Wall in Dieppe and a marble cairn was erected on Hill 67 near Caen.
For the past 23 years, Philip has served as Parade Marshal for the annual CNE Warrior’s Day Parade, ensuring Veterans are honored with the dignity and recognition they deserve. Additionally, for 38 years, he has organized Port Credit’s annual community Remembrance Day events, including parades, church services, and cenotaph ceremonies. His responsibilities have included securing permits, coordinating with municipal and police officials, inviting dignitaries, organizing post-event hospitality with the Ladies Auxiliary, and overseeing all aspects of the church and cenotaph services.
Philip has also been a dedicated member of The Royal Canadian Legion for 40 years. As Poppy Chair, he has led fundraising efforts to support local Veterans in need. He has served as Branch Treasurer, ensuring sound financial management, and as Past 1st Vice President, working closely with the executive team to ensure the branch’s effective operation. His contributions have extended to the establishment and renovation of several cenotaphs and parks, including the designation of the Port Credit Cenotaph area as “Vimy Park”, and its later renovation to improve accessibility.