Tsawwassen torch veteran
He’s a war veteran, he’s Tsawwassen’s “poppy man,” and now he’s a 2010 Olympic torchbearer.
Lloyd Jones, past president of the Tsawwassen branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, will carry the torch starting at 2:29 p.m. Feb. 9, 300 metres down 56 Street starting around 16 Avenue and passing the flame at the Kiwanis Longhouse Gallery by 18 Avenue.
Jones said he was asked by the legion if he wanted to apply. When asked if Olympic organizers were looking for Canadian veterans for the relay, Jones said, “I guess it had something to do with it. I served in Europe during the European Campaign for four years. I was in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany in the infantry, in the footsloggers as they called it.”
He’s ordered and received his uniform (free) and decided to purchase his torch ($391) which he will get the day of the relay.
“I tried it on (the uniform). It looks pretty skookum.”
Jones, who is a regular presence in Tsawwassen during the legion’s annual poppy campaign, said the opportunity to carry the torch means a lot to him.
“I’m a very proud Canadian, so it does mean a lot to me that I’m able to participate. I’m 87 years of age. I think it’s an opportunity that won’t come again. My family and grandchildren and great-grandchildren are very excited for grandpa.”
Jones adds that due to a bad left leg, he’ll have to walk. But that’ll give his grandchildren plenty of time to wave at him from the curb.
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