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In naming veterans, we
show respect by Joy Asham Fedorick Out of the mist the warriors came, faint upright figures in the facing dusk, moving to the beat of Mother Earth they march through time. This is not the first march, nor will it be the last. Each year their essence rises and the echoes of the past reach out to fill our hearts with sadness and gratitude. The old soldiers, the Native Vets. Here in the crisp breath of late fall we gather on the mountain beneath a plaque that has always read: The Forgotten Soldiers. They were the Fort William First Nations members who fought in the Great War 1914-1918 and until this year have remained unnamed. Then one man with great commitment decided that the names must be known as has been our tradition for so long: In naming we show respect and honour. So, Frank Banning, himself a veteran of the Normandy Invasion in the Second World War, went about finding out the names. He looked in cemeteries, in church records, talked to many people and combed his memory, sifting clues and following leads. This November 11, a new plaque will be added to the cross and pedestal on Mount McKay honouring those who fell in that First Great War: Lawrence Boucher - Killed in action December 17, 1917. Augustin Belanger, M.M* - Killed in action May 25, 1917 Paul Dick - Killed in action May 1, 1918 Robert John Howard - Killed in action September 25, 1918. John Peter Crow - veteran WWI - died August 2, 1931. Frank Bouchie, lost leg in WWI - died in the forties. The funds for the plaque were donated by Fort William First Nation and Sam Pervais, 85 year old veteran, will be laying a wreath honouring these old soldiers. The plaque and wreath will be among others commemorating the contributions of Native Vets to both Great Wars. The ceremony will take place Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on the first plateau of Mount McKay where the cross looks over the city. Some members of Lake Superior Scottish Regiment are expected to attend and Father Lynch from Mission Church will be presiding at the ceremony. The 25 minute commemoration will be followed by coffee and a light lunch at the Fort William First Nation Community Hall. Frank Banning spent this past year restoring the cross area. He ensured that a flagstone floor and drainage upgraded the monument pedestal area which is now surrounded by a wrought iron fence. Frank designed the pedestal himself years ago and has made Remembrance his special mission. Wounded himself when he was 18, Frank came home from war to begin a family and that now has 11 children, 30 or so grandchildren and four or five great-grandchildren on the way. He says that his life since returning has been good and that he has been lucky by comparison. Helping Frank plan Remembrance Day services for Native vets has been his nephew, Gordon Bannon. Last year, both were actively involved and organized bus service from the Friendship and Satellite Centres out to the ceremony site. This year, bus service is also expected to be available and details of schedules and pickups can be obtained by calling Gordon at 626-9309 or alternatively, Frank at 623-9452. Frank and Gordon extend special appreciation to Fort William First Nation, the Native Interagency Council and the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre, all of whom have contributed making Nov. 11 an event of honour. There are those of us who have not forgotten. We still see and hear those old warriors rise through the mist and know that our own lives were made richer by their sacrifice. It is now our responsibility to honour their names and to move forward towards a time when such offerings are no longer needed. Join me on the mountain tomorrow. Meegwetch, old soldiers, Meegwetch. *M.M. - Military Medal |
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