Mary Lou Parker Yarmouth’s legionnaire of the year

gionnaire- of- the- year award for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 61 in Yarmouth says she’s committed to helping veterans.

Mary Lou Parker branch’s legionnaire year for 2017.

She also is known to many for her role as grand chief of Eastern Woodland Métis Nation Nova Scotia.

She is a life member of the legion and says she has been involved in the legion for more than 40 years.

“I’d do anything for veterans,” she said.

She wasn’t on hand at the Yarmouth legion hall to accept the award so her brother- in- law, Gilbert Parker, accepted it on her behalf.

She said she appreciates being recognized by the legion in this way.

“I was very humbled by the thought,” she said.

Parker is very deserving of the honour, said Brenda Hat- is of the the tie, president of legion branch 61.

“She donated steps ( to the Yarmouth legion),” Hattie said, “and she also gave us money in memory of her husband ( Tim Parker, who was a veteran) to help us.”

Parker always is ready to offer assistance to the legion, Hattie said.

“Any time that we need something, if there’s something that the vets need, she’s right on board,” Hattie said. “She’s second to none.”

Aside from her dedication to the legion and veterans, Parker says she also is committed to the Eastern Woodland Métis Nation Nova Scotia.

She has expressed frustration about dealing with government on issues affecting the Métis, but she said progress is being made.

She said she remains determined to the cause and will continue to fight for it.