You expect veterans to wear their military decorations proudly on Remembrance Day. A 91 year old New Brunswick veteran expected to spend this November 11 without his medals after thieves stole the originals from his home this summer. Thanks to a fellow veteran and a local business owner, retired lieutenant colonel Alan Kennedy will wear a pristine set of replicas over his heart.

According to a report by CBC News, David Hughes arranged the replacement. Hughes is a retired captain and manages the New Brunswick Military History Museum. He knew the emotional toll the theft took on Kennedy.

“For a soldier to not have his medals on Remembrance Day, that is a stab in the heart,” Hughes told CBC.

A Traumatic Home Invasion

The original medals disappeared on July 9. Three people broke into Kennedy’s home in Nasonworth. The intruders tied him to a chair with zip ties. They stole a large sum of money and many military keepsakes.

Kennedy spent his entire adult life as a soldier. His house holds items collected from travels around the world.

“I wasn’t frightened as such,” Kennedy said. “I was very concerned that they were taking things I had.”

The RCMP West District community crime reduction unit continues to investigate the home invasion. Police describe the suspects as two men and a woman. All three are tall and thin and wore face coverings during the break in.

Community Steps Up

Hughes made it his mission to help Kennedy. Official replacements from the military take a long time to process. With Remembrance Day approaching quickly, Hughes visited Michela Amato at Michela’s Medal Mounting in Oromocto.

Amato already knew about Kennedy’s situation. She offered to create the replica set entirely free of charge.

“Just great kindness and humanity on her part,” Hughes said.

Hughes presented the finished medals to Kennedy a couple of weeks ago in front of several veteran friends. Hughes called it a small gesture that felt really good to complete.

A Distinguished Career Remembered

Kennedy noted the replicas look exactly like the real ones. The set reflects a long and distinguished military career. He started in the artillery and served with the Black Watch, the Royal Canadian Regiment, and the Canadian Airborne Regiment.

The impressive collection includes his officer of the Order of Military Merit and a medal for two tours of Cyprus. It also features a United Nations medal for his time as a military observer in India and Pakistan. Finally, it includes his Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars recognizing 32 years of service.

Kennedy wears his medals every Remembrance Day. This year will be no exception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who received the replica medals?

Retired lieutenant colonel Alan Kennedy received the replica medals after thieves stole his originals during a home invasion.

Who made the replica medals?

Michela Amato of Michela’s Medal Mounting in Oromocto created the replicas free of charge.

When did the theft happen?

Three intruders stole the original medals during a home invasion in Nasonworth on July 9.

What medals did Alan Kennedy earn during his service?

His medals include the officer of the Order of Military Merit, a Cyprus tour medal, a United Nations medal, and the Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars for 32 years of service.