'Very special,' College roundabout renamed in honour of Canada's most decorated veteran

Georgian College's cenotaph now shares a space with its most celebrated Canadian Armed Forces member (CAF).

On Tuesday, CAF members and college officials gathered for the renaming of the post-secondary's roundabout to honour Collingwood's 100-year-old Maj.-Gen. Richard Rohmer.

"It's very special," Rohmer told CTV News. "It's going to be circular forever and it's going to be important forever and to have my name on it, it's beautifully done and I'm proud of my association with the college."

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In 2019, the college presented the Second World War veteran with an honourary degree. A scholarship helping CAF members and their families study at the college has also been renamed to honour him.

"It's nice to have the community in this scale recognize the importance of the military in our society, in Canada," he added.

Rohmer is Canada's most decorated veteran in military history.

As he's called even by his closest loved ones, the General was just a young man when he served overseas in the Second World War, playing pivotal roles on D-Day and in the Battle of Normandy.

While he was shot at many times while flying in the Royal Canadian Air Force over his 135 missions, his plane was only hit once.

Following his storied military career in which he was promoted to major general, the Canadian titan led a life that saw him become a lawyer, political advisor and thriller writer.

Described by many as Canada's most interesting man, Rohmer still holds the title of honourary Lieutenant General of the CAF.

Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College, said renaming the college's roundabout after Rohmer helps to continue its own commitment, as a military-connected college.

"I hope they see themselves (CAF members) here," Weaver said. "We really strike hard to be a college where everyone belongs, everyone is seen, heard and valued and I think that just goes a long way to show that we are deeply committed and we are honouring our military history."

The college said it would be replacing the current signage at the roundabout sometime in the spring.