After returning from visiting troops in Kandahar and being honoured by Veterans Affairs Canada last month, it is likely this Nov. 11 will be especially memorable for actor and producer Paul Gross.

“The honour is enormous and very humbling,” said Gross regarding the Veterans Affairs commendation he received in recognition of his steadfast support for Canada’s veterans. In 2007, Gross joined Irish tenor John McDermott at Sunnybrook Hospital in hosting a Christmastime veterans’ concert, and more recently he has received acclaimed reviews for writing, directing, producing and acting in the 2008 film Passchendaele.

“In truth, I feel I’m just the front man for the efforts of a number of people who contributed to making this film,” said Gross. Passchendaele is about Canada’s role in one of the first major First World War battles.

Lately, Gross has also been involved with Canada’s military efforts in Afghanistan. A week after the award ceremony, he arrived at a Kandahar operating base where he met with deployed Canadian soldiers. 

“It really brought home to me that there is an unbroken line of resolute courage,” said Gross, “from the men and boys of 1914 to 1918 to those men and women representing our country in the sands of Afghanistan.”