This story over the weekend was brought to my attention by Sandi a proud veteran and friend. It is nice to see small town Canada have Red Rallies in conjunction with other honours. Sandi's Dad a veteran of D Day has his brick proudly inserted in the wall.
Sandi's Dad Gunner Hector McInnis on a return visit to Normandy in 1989.
WALL OF HONOUR A sea of red surrounded the dedication ceremony for the James P. Robertson V.C. Park in Stellarton NS
The News
Gatean Bouchard plays the Last Post during the dedication ceremony for the James P. Robertson V.C. Park in Stellarton on Sunday afternoon. Jennifer Vardy Little - The News STELLARTON Over 90 years ago, a young man put aside his fear and rushed across enemy lines as bullets whizzed around him, intent on saving the lives of his two injured comrades. Miraculously, he got one to safety, but as he returned to save the second, he was killed. The man was Private James Peter Robertson, born on Oct. 26, 1883, in Albion Mines, which would eventually become part of Stellarton. Just 34 years old, he was fighting in the Battle of Paschendaele on Nov. 6, 1917. This was his second act of bravery that day; earlier, he had dashed to an opening on the flank in the battle and rushed a machine gun position, struggling with the crew and killing four of them. The remainder fled to their own lines, allowing Robertsons platoon to advance. For these acts, Robertson was awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery. The highest military award that can be given, it takes precedence over all over orders, decorations and medals that can be given. The recipients of the Victoria Cross represent the best of our country, these individuals embody the word heroes, Justice Minister Ross Landry told the hundreds of people who gathered at a park dedicated to James Robertsons honour on Sunday afternoon. I think its most fitting the community of Stellarton dedicated this park in the memory of Private Robertson, he added. But more than just a memorial to Robertson, the park serves as a reminder of all of Pictou Countys military heroes. Behind the monument in the shape of a Victoria Cross, and bearing Robertsons image, is a wall made up of 300 bricks, each bearing the name of one of Pictou Countys veterans. The bricks were hugely popular, said Stellarton Legion member Bill White. We couldve sold 400 of them, he said. We were getting calls every second day for people looking to buy more. The last week of the sale, we had line-ups at the legion, people wanting more of them. Prior to the dedication ceremony, Pictou County residents stood before the wall, studying each name closely, sometimes stepping forward to brush their fingers across the inscribed names. Several hundred people attended the ceremony Sunday, most clad in red to show their support of Canadas current military, as well as the veterans. Paul Freeman, a member of the Admiral Murray branch of the Royal Canadian Navy, participated in the ceremony and helped to unveil the monument. Its just fantastic, he said. To see all these people out, dressed in their red clothing in honour of the veterans, is just fantastic.
A comment :Charlie from Around Town, This Land writes: This was a top notch event I was proud to be there among the red shirted crowd. Thanks to the town of Stellarton for a job well done. Posted 27/07/2009 at 8:38 AM
This is another story of Canada's past, and perhaps even more apopros as the last two Veterans of WW1 that passed away last week in the UK.at 109 and 113 years may they rest in peace, and meet up with Comrades who passed before them.
Breaking News of Interest to all parties involved in the Agent Orange scandal:
From the latest issue of The Stars and Stripes
Report: Agent Orange may be linked to increased risk of Parkinsons, heart problems A study from the Institute of Medicine released Friday contains several caveats, but suggests there is a stronger connection than previously thought about the health risks to Vietnam veterans. Use this Link for full report.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104article=63886source=rss
Also you may find this interesting from a UK broadcaster:
http://dotsub.com/view/84f5c72d-b0ba-408c-ace3-8cc40995e011
As Stellarton Legion and citizens remember our past soldiers,sailors and airmen. I ask that we also have a thought for our troops currently engaged in dangerous missions around the world.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
