A monument dedicated to aboriginal war veterans will be unveiled and blessed at a ceremony at Couchiching next Tuesday (June 6), which coincides with the anniversary of D-Day in 1944.
Currently, 105 aboriginals are being honoured for their service during both world wars, in Korea and Vietnam, as well as in peacetime.
“Every other community has some type of plaque recognizing the sacrifices made and we wanted to do the same,” said Eugene McPherson, a member of the veterans and peacekeepers committee.
“It is time to give [war veterans] credit,” he stressed.
McPherson noted the project first took root nearly six years ago but didn’t blossom until about three years ago.
The unveiling is to begin at 11 a.m. behind the band office, with a representative from each branch of the Canadian and American armed forces being in attendance.
Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson and Ontario NDP leader Howard Hampton also will take part in the ceremony, and it’s hoped federal officials also will be on hand.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
