August 7, 2006
The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada and Regional Minister for New Brunswick, was present today at the St. Alban's Cemetery outside Bathurst, N.B., to unveil a memorial cairn and headstone erected in honour of Victoria Cross recipient Herman J. Good. Good, a member of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, received the prestigious honour for his heroic actions in the Battle for Amiens on August 8, 1918.
In addressing the crowd gathered at the ceremony, Minister Thompson stated, "We are honoured to have been involved in this initiative by providing this distinctive grave marker bearing the Victoria Cross insignia. It is only the fifth one of its kind to be installed in Canada."
The ceremony, organized by the New Brunswick Black Watch Heritage Committee to pay tribute one of their own, in fact, honours all Veterans for their sacrifice and achievements. "I applaud the Black Watch Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the City of Bathurst for your dedication to commemorating the gallant efforts of our brave Veterans," said Minister Thompson. "The effort put in by this community to honour our Veterans is highly commendable."
In attendance along with the Minister, were Herman Good's son, Frank, who travelled from Vancouver, B.C. to be at the unveiling, his grandson, Robert, as well as many other family members and local dignitaries. Four CF-18 planes, provided by the 3 Wing Bagotville, made a memorial fly-past as the cairn was unveiled.
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