BARRY’S BAY – Veterans who have departed and those with us today were thanked for their service at the fourth-annual Thank a Veteran dinner on the evening of June 23. Hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion, a number of veterans, widows and those in active service attended the dinner along with their loved ones. Dave Eagles, retired army engineer, was the master of ceremonies, and welcomed everyone. “This is a time to think about those who volunteered to put their life on the line to defend our values and our country,” Eagles said. Madawaska Valley Mayor Kim Love, who could not attend due to a family commitment, wrote a letter that was read by Eagles. “The challenge is finding words powerful enough to express the feelings of pride, respect, acknowledgment and heartfelt gratitude that overwhelm us when in the presence of those truly amazing men and women,” Love wrote. “Veterans remind us that the lifestyles and freedoms we take for granted as Canadians were not always assured and are not guaranteed for all.” To read the full story, pick up a copy of the June 27 paper.