Stellarton remembers Stanley Dudka
Having a Coast Guard vessel named for their father was a proud moment for Stanley Dudka’s children back in 2013. They had another proud moment on Saturday as the Town of Stellarton honoured him as well.
A bench in the Stellarton Town Square was dedicated in memory of Dudka — a war hero, coal miner and fisheries officer – who passed away in 2008 at the age of 85.
“My father loved Stellarton, and so for the town to honour him is just so thrilling,” said his daughter Helen Johnson. “To have a Coast Guard ship named after him and now this, to have the town doing it, I’m thrilled to honour my father like this. We’re so proud.”
Dudka’s son Bernie spoke during the ceremony that included prayers by Rev. Charles MacPherson of First Presbyterian Church. “Stellarton is a town that has given our family so many memories, from the time of being a child to events like this one happening today. I am sure that Dad is looking down with a big smile and his arms wide open, saying thank you to everyone.”
About 60 of Dudka’s family members gathered in Stellarton for a reunion over the weekend, with many of them attending the dedication, coming from all over Canada and as far away as Vietnam.
Dudka grew up on Red Row, and at age 16 joined the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He was a member of the Allied invasion force that landed at Juno Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day during the Second World War. He was wounded, and captured by German enemy forces the next day. During his time as a war prisoner, he witnessed the execution of Canadian prisoners by soldiers under the command of SS Major Kurt Meyer.
Dudka escaped captivity in his third attempt, making his way back to his unit and continuing to fight with the Canadian Army.
After the war, he gave evidence at the Nuremburg Trials, resulting in Meyer’s conviction of war crimes.
Dudka was later awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service by King George V.
Returning to Pictou County, he worked as a coal miner in Stellarton from 1946 to 1958 and volunteered to be a draegerman.
He became a fisheries officer, and was tasked with reducing the number of illegally fished salmon and lobster. He also led the effort to coordinate enforcement efforts for the Gulf of St. Lawrence seal hunt. He received the Centennial Medal for Meritorious Service in 1967 and the Public Service Merit Award in 1974.
“My father was a stalwart defender of Canada’s 200-mile fishing limit, which demonstrated his dedication to protect our great country and what it stands for,” said Bernie Dudka. “He is our family hero and Stellarton’s hero.”
In 2013, a 14-metre Coast Guard vessel was named for Dudka. The CCGS S. Dudka is primarily used for inshore fisheries enforcement around PEI.
“I have to say that Stanley Dudka has left a legacy for us to look up to and to be shared by many generations,” said Bernie Dudka. “Stellarton, you have just added to that legacy.”
Stellarton Deputy Mayor Simon Lawand said the town wanted to honour Dudka’s heroic acts. “We’re very happy to do this. We often forget the sacrifice that we have made overseas and to have the democracy that we have right now. Please, please for the young folks out there: Lest we forget … You are here right now standing because of that sacrifice.”