JOSEPH CLEMENT

Joseph Romeo Clement of Grimsby, Ontario 80 years-young retired businessman, joined the Royal Canadian Navy in Hamilton, after lying about this age.  Joseph was only 17, but was anxious at the time to join his brother who enlisted 6 months earlier. By age 20, Joseph had been around the world.   Joseph saw action in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and returned home in 1946 with five campaign medals. 

They include the Burma Start for rescuing members of the Royal Marines in Burma, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, the ’39-’45 Star, the Atlantic Star and the Victory Medal.   A few years ago, Joseph was sent decorations from Ottawa recognizing his war service as an Aboriginal seaman.

The most cherished decoration came just last year when he was presented with an Eagle Feather, which not only recognizes his Métis background but also binds him to all the other native warriors who served in foreign wars. 

In November of 2005, Joseph travelled to Normandy, France, as one of the 19 Aboriginal Veterans who were participating in the “Calling Home Ceremony”, to call home the spirits of his fallen relatives, and uncle and a brother-in law. During the voyage Joseph and his wife Carol-Ann located Joseph’s uncle, World War 1 Veteran Jim Clement’s grave at Mennon Gate in Ypres and also located his brother in law, Ernest Freve’s grave at Leopold Canal.

Today Joseph takes time to travel to schools to educate children about his served in the Navy and the contribution Aboriginal Veterans have made for this country.

Joseph  is a proud father of 3 children: Joseph, Lianne and Marc and grandfather of 5.