Happy social distancing birthday to Canadian Armed Forces vets Ardie and Les.

Jubilant Toronto Police, Firefighters and Alderwood residents lined up outside the homes of the two veterans on Wednesday to bring them birthday greetings. A police officer brought ballons for them.

A spry Ardwell Eyres, of Gair Dr., turned 96 while about a block away his neighbour Les Baldock, of Delma Dr., turned 97.

Friends had posted their birthdays on Facebook and asked residents to stop outside, or drive by, their homes to wave and wish them long lives with many more years to come.

A drive by of police cars with lights flashing wished the men happy birthday as a line of fire fighters  outside their homes together with residents belted out happy birthday.

Each smiling vet was serenaded with happy birthday, as a violinist played; then there was a loud hi-hip hooray and they were presented a senior’s calendar about fire safety as well as a poppy, thanking them for their service.
“I know he is feeling lonely with all this social distancing so if you are walking by Delma, he is usually sitting in his chair in front of the window and will see you wave,” the online post says of Baldock.

Many residents took to social media due to COVID-19 to thank the men for their services.

“My son and I had the pleasure of meeting both of these wonderful men early this evening,” says Sharon Hamilton. “Thank you both for your service.”

“Congrats to the Toronto Fire Service for doing this and happy birthday to our two Alderwood veterans,” wrote Sheila McKinnon.

“My son and I made a sign and drove by Mr. Baldock’s home,” says Barb Gardhouse. “He came out to wave and looks amazing.”