M’CHIGEENG—Billings Township residents will have the opportunity to have the name and photo of military veterans in their family displayed in the village of Kagawong this fall.
“We are sending out a letter to everyone in Billings indicating they have the opportunity to participate in this project and have the chance to honour their military loved ones,” Rick Nelson, Billings cenotaph board chair told The Expositor. He had successfully reached out to the museum committee, municipal staff and council for their assistance to partner with the project. “It’s a salute to local veterans and the cenotaph board has wanted to do this for some time. We are grateful that can now be accomplished through the capable hands of the museum committee.
“The cenotaph committee had contacted the museum board to see if it could help and the board decided to support the project,” said Mr. Nelson. “Now it is a matter of reaching out to local families and inviting them to participate in the project.”
“We are sending out a letter to everyone in Billings,” said Mr. Nelson. The letter reads, “A chance to honour your military loved one. The Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong is inviting families of veterans to contribute towards the purchase of a banner for display on hydro poles throughout the village. 10 places are available.”
“The banners will be displayed during the months of October and November 2024. A photo of the veteran, their name, their regiment, and the family sponsoring the banner will be required.”
“Any veteran who lived in Billings Township is eligible. If more than 10 families apply, a draw will be held to choose the 10. The remainder will be offered the opportunity to have a banner for the 2025 season. The family investment to produce the banner (a one-time contribution) is approximately $150 to $200. The Old Mill Heritage Centre will cover all other expenses.”
The museum board has purchased 10 brackets to hold up on the poles, said Mr. Nelson.
He said Nelson D & L Contracting in M’Chigeeng First Nation has volunteered to install the banners on the hydro poles.
Billings is the second community, joining Little Current and Assiginack, to erect veteran banners.
If interested, contact Rick Nelson at 705-282-4826 or email oldmillheritage@billingstwp.ca by May 31 with the name of the veteran and a family contact.
