Posted on May 12: McMaster student helps send D-Day veterans to Normandy ceremony

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May 12, 2004

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Economics,-Tyler-Chalk.jpg” caption=”Tyler Chalk”]Fourth-year economics student Tyler Chalk is helping send Canadian veterans to the 60th anniversary ceremonies of D-Day in Normandy on June 6.

Chalk is part of a trio that initiated a National History Organization VETSFUND to cover the travel costs to Normandy for Canadian veterans who can't afford the trip on their own.

“I think there are a lot of employees, faculty members, and students in the McMaster and Westdale communities that would support with worthwhile cause,” said Chalk, who will graduate with an Honours BA in economics from McMaster this spring. “We strongly encourage any and all interested people within the University and beyond to spread the word about VETSFUND, make a donation themselves, and even better yet  do both. Together we can ensure that as many deserving vets get to attend this very important commemorative event.”

All proceeds will support veteran's travel to Normandy. Donations can be made by cheque, payable to Canada's National History Society/ VETSFUND or by VISA or Mastercard. Donations can be made by telephone 1-800-816-6777 or online at www.HistorySociety.ca.

On May 5th, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that they would be sending a contingent of 60 veterans, one from each of the 60 regiments that landed on the Beaches of Normandy nearly 60 year ago, to participate in the commemoration ceremonies. Several veterans expressed disappointment that, although they had been invited to attend if they paid their own way, they could not afford to participate.

Chalk and colleagues Max Fawcett and Taleeb Noormohamed, issued a call to action encouraging Canadians to contribute the financial resources for those veterans to attend. In less than a week, they have raised more than $10,000.

“We have certainly been overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response thus far,” said Chalk. “There obviously are a large number of people in this country that want to do something to help out.”