Stratford remembers

Town of Stratford remembers First World War veterans in new book

The Town of Stratford helped marked the 100th anniversary of the First World War a little differently this year.

On Nov. 7 at the Stratford Town Centre, a book was released entitled, ‘We Will Remember Them: Stratford Heroes of the First World War.’

It was a project by the heritage committee and contains many contributions of photos and stories from families in the community.

“We are very proud of this project,” said Mike Farmer, chair of the Heritage Committee. “And 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.”

Beginning with a list of names of locals contributed from memory by an area senior, the project evolved and grew into a book which includes 46 stories of veterans – 45 men and 1 woman.

“Through the launch of this book and the other Stratford Heroes displays, the town proudly puts up each year, we are continuing to remember those who

served, and continue to serve our great country,” said outgoing Stratford Mayor David Dunphy.

Stratford displays posters of veterans around the town this time of year and has a Stratford Heroes display at the town centre.

The official Remembrance Day ceremony will take place Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m. at the Stratford Town Center.

This year the town is encouraging children to show veterans their gratitude for the sacrifices they made by making ‘Valentines for Vets’ which are then distributed by Veterans Affairs Canada to vets in long term care facilities in time for Feb. 14.

“(2014) was the first year we did it,” said Rachel Arsenault, recreation co-ordinator for the town.

“It is country-wide through Veterans Affairs. We tried it out to see how it would be accepted by the public and it went very well so we keep doing it.”