Parks Canada honors ten local war time heroes

News Release

Hometown Heroes Program commemorates veterans from Charlotte County in New Brunswick

August 13, 2016 St. Andrews, New Brunswick Parks Canada Agency

Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, commemorated ten local war time heroes from the Charlotte County area in New Brunswick area who served during the First World War and the Second World War. The event took place at the St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site organised through Parks Canada’s Hometown Heroes Program.

Community members, members of the military, and other officials were in attendance to honor the local hometown heroes and their families where they received acknowledgements and a special gift thanking them for their service and sacrifices. The ceremony was concluded by a musket firing salute.

The Hometown Heroes Program is part of Parks Canada’s initiatives to commemorate First World War and Second World War veterans through various community events hosted on Parks Canada grounds. Hometown Heroes from across the country have already been recognized.

As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation, in 2017, the Government of Canada invites all Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our history. Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Quotes

“We are forever grateful to our hometown heroes of Charlotte County who stepped up and risked everything to defend our country, help our allies, and protect democracy during both world wars. Today, we stand with them and we recognize their efforts. We also remember the ones who have fallen and we honor their selfless act of bravery and sacrifice. These men and women represent the very best that we have to offer as Canadians and I’m honored to have shared this moment today with them and their families.”

Karen Ludwig
Member of Parliament, New Brunswick Southwest

Quick facts

Canada's participation in the First World War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945) touched every community in this country. During these global conflicts, civilians and those in the armed forces played a crucial role in protecting and building their communities and thus Canada as a whole.
Parks Canada is honoring and remembering local wartime heroes all across Canada through its Hometown Heroes Program to commemorate individuals who have made unique contributions to the war effort.
The St. Andrews Blockhouse was built by citizens of St. Andrews, New Brunswick in 1813. The designer is not known, although the British Royal Engineers may have contributed indirectly to the design. It was acquired by the Department of the Interior in 1925 and declared a National Historic Site in 1962. Work was done in the 1960s to restore the blockhouse to its original appearance. In 1993, the building suffered extensive fire damage, and was subsequently restored by Parks Canada.