When I first met Hormidas Fredette, it was after a call from a friend in 2021 asking if I would put on my uniform and visit a Second World War veteran in New Minas who had just turned 104.
I jumped at the chance and sit down with this incredible man, who not only survived the war but was actually a Japanese prisoner of war for almost four years after the fall of Hong Kong. We chatted for a long time, and he told me so many stories about his time as a POW and the terrible treatment and food he received. I told him I would come back and chat more on his 105th. He said, “It’s a deal!” His sister lived to be 104, so he was planning to out do her. I said I would be back, and for him not to do anything to mess up our plans.
In 2022, I again went back to chat on his 105th birthday, and found, while he may have aged on paper, he certainly hadn’t in his ability to tell stories! When I was leaving, I said I would see him again on his 106th birthday, and he winked and smiled at me.
May 3, 2023, was my third time visiting this incredible man, and another opportunity to congratulate him as he turned 106! We talked more about those days so long ago and how he has probably out-lived all of those he served with. He said someone had to stick around to tell their stories.
I had the honour to present Mr. Fredette with a Commander’s Coin on behalf of 14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Jeff Davis and Wing Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Proulx. I also presented him with the new shoulder patch for 14 Wing, along with a Royal Canadian Air Force Legacy coin (we laughed when I told him the RCAF turns 100 next year: his response was that he is older than the air force!).
We both decided we should do this again next year, and we put May 3, 2024, in our calendars. Sir, I salute you as a true Canadian hero, and I am looking forward to our next visit.
