Stratford launches end of Great War 100th anniversary book

‘We will remember them: Stratford Heroes of the First World War’ launch is on Nov. 7

The Town of Stratford is marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with a book honouring the lives of a number of Island veterans from the Great War.

The launch of “We will remember them: Stratford Heroes of the First World War” will take place Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Stratford Town Centre.

The book is a project of the Stratford Heritage Committee, a group composed of council members and resident volunteers, with the book including contributions of information, photos, and stories from a number of Stratford families.

The idea for the book began with research into the history of Bunbury which took place prior to the 1995 amalgamation and has grown to include 46 stories of veterans from all areas of Stratford.

Committee Chairman Mike Farmer said they’re proud of the project.

“We are so pleased to see it in print and ready to share with Stratford residents and other Islanders who want to learn more about the experiences of ordinary Canadians in the First World War.”

Each year leading up to Remembrance Day, posters of veterans are displayed in area bus shelters, and the Stratford Heroes display is put up at Stratford Town Hall.

Those displays, along with the launch of the book, is a way for the town to remember those who served, said Mayor David Dunphy.

“We congratulate everyone who has been involved with this book project.”

The public is invited to attend the book launch at Stratford Town Centre, which will include an address by UPEI history professor Ed MacDonald, light refreshments and a book sale.