Arthur’s historical society is taking up the challenge to support Wellington North Township’s bid to host a national wall honouring soldiers and peacekeeper.
The Arthur and Area Historical Society letter recently sent to council supports the idea of having such a wall located in Canada’s Most Patriotic Village.
The group is also urging support from local schools and the Arthur Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Included in council’s correspondence was a letter from society secretary David Stack to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to endorse the idea of the National Memorial Wall of Names, and to make a case for locating such a wall in Arthur.
In the letter, he wrote, “Our Canadian war cemeteries in Europe are beautiful, solemn and popular places that few Canadians will see. We do need a national shrine to our fallen.”
“If the Memorial Wall becomes a reality, Arthur, Ontario would be an excellent location.”
“The village was recognized as ‘Canada’s Most Patriotic Village’ by the Toronto Star in its November 2, 1942 edition for two reasons. 116 of its 836 citizens were in uniform which led the nation on a per capita basis.
Also, Arthur Village had led the country in selling out its quota in the first War Bond Drive.”
“Today, Arthur is a beautiful village in central Canada at the junction of two highways. The mayor and council of the amalgamated community of Wellington North are solidly behind this project and would facilitate finding a suitable site.”
“The Arthur and Area Historical Society believes that there should be a National Wall of Names to our soldiers and peacekeepers, and that the wall should be in Arthur, Ontario.”
While Mayor Mike Broomhead commented the letter was before council mainly as information, he believes the idea seems to be moving ahead.
