Vimy to Juno
A travelling exhibit that tells the story of Canada’s role in major battles – from Vimy Ridge to Juno Beach – and their historical significance will come to Joggins.
Joggins is harnessing the power of being small and drawing a really big exhibit to the community overlooking the Bay of Fundy.
Being neighbourly and looking out for one another has created a huge opportunity. Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 4 president Dara Legere says much is owed to Joggins Fossil Centre’s Education and Outreach manager, Laurie Glenn Norris.
“They’re part of the museum network and they had information from the Juno Beach Centre on the Vimy to Juno travelling exhibit … Laurie thought it would be a great thing to bring to Joggins, but they couldn’t host it, so they contacted us at the legion.”
The legion branch is currently the only stop in Nova Scotia to host the From Vimy To Juno exhibit.
Showcasing Canada’s involvement in France during two world wars, as well as the years between, the legion is to provide 100 feet of wall space for displays, coming from the Juno Beach Centre, Canada’s Second World War Museum in France.
“It’s a lot bigger show than I first thought it would be,” Legere said. “It is big.”
The travelling display has appeared across the country and is currently in Debolt, Alta. When it arrives in Joggins for its May 2–12 run, the legion will open its doors daily at 10 a.m.
Legere is especially proud they have the privilege of hosting the
exhibit during the May 5 anniversary of the liberation of Holland and VE-DAY, May 8. He hopes to see increased awareness from not only the public but schools as well.
“We want to get the word out to as many schools as we can. It’s a great time of year for it, especially local ones,” Legere said. “This is something the school kids should see.”
Those attending the display
will be able to experience a very unique marriage of the legion’s own collection and dedication to its volunteers, and the exhibit.
In the local collection, the legion pays tribute to what they refer to as the Joggins Six — six men from the community killed during the First World War’s Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The legion is also asking anyone with a loved one who served during the wars, who would like
to have a photo displayed during the exhibit, to bring it to the legion. Veterans are encouraged to come to not only see the exhibit but share their memories as members of living-history during wartime and peace.
Legere says hosting the exhibit is, indeed, a tremendous opportunity — albeit with one minor issue to address.
“We’ll have to work around bingo.”