A local legion is asking for the return of a piece of valued history. Royal Canadian legion branch 255 in Windsor says a veteran’s beret and cap badge were taken from a mannequin inside the branch’s pool room several days ago. The veteran was a member of the Princess Patricia’s – one of the most decorated and storied regiments in the history of the Canadian armed forces. The items were donated by the veteran’s family and held special meaning for both the family and the legion community. Branch members are asking whoever took the keepsakes to return them—no questions asked. The legion says the items are more than just a hat and badge—they represent a veteran’s service, sacrifice, and a connection to the past. Marty Flanagan, a vice-president at Branch 255, wants resolution – not drama with respect to this sensitive issue. “We’re not looking to get anybody into trouble. Basically, we’re just, we want to do this the easy way. Bring it in. No questions will be asked,” said Flanagan. “We just want our history back. We want the gentleman to have his uniform so we can remember him since he passed away in 2000.” Canadian army veteran Terry Lauzon served as a member of the Princess Patricia’s – the same regiment as the veteran whose beret was taken from the Legion. “Just - you know, me being a Patricia - it hurts that somebody would even think of doing something like that not just for Patricia’s but for any other regiment in the military,” said Lauzon.
