Burlington war veteran finds a new way to serve

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Dozens of commuters were serenaded this morning by a Burlington war veteran.

For 27 years, Bill Reid, an 81 year old veteran has filled a usually cold and dark passenger tunnel at Appleby Station with smiles. He sings war songs and pins poppies to honour all of our veterans.

“Serving as an officer with veterans and meeting them, all I can say is I just thank my lucky stars that I didn’t have to fight in battles and suffer like they do. ”

Commuters could hear Bill Reid’s golden voice as soon as they stepped inside the station. A few parents brought their children, some too young to understand war and what our veterans fought for. But Reid gently explained through song.

“They did a big part in our country, they helped fight and make this a free land.”

Even people who were in a rush took a moment to thank the veteran. Others stood for hours and shared war stories.

“He’s such a dedicated man at what he’s doing, coming out and seeing all the people and singing for them, living all of those memories over again”

Greg Percy, the president of GO Transit came to visit Bill. It’s something he does every year. “I was raised in a military family and I was brought up on an armed forces base so Remembrance Day was special then and I for a while thought people had forgotten but Bill just brought it all back. He’s a very special guy, very special to me as well. ”

“We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…”

Until next year Bill, we’ll be seeing you.

Today was Bill Reid’s last day singing at the GO station before Remembrance Day this year. He will be touring hospitals and nursing homes next week to sing to other war veterans.