KAGAWONG—It took several years of planning and work but Billings Township now has banners flying in the village of Kagawong in tribute of veterans who served in the Canadian Armed Forces and who had lived in Billings at some point in their life.
Families of the 11 veterans whose banners are displayed in Kagawong were on hand this past Saturday for a dedication service and group photo.
“I would like to say hello to everyone here today and thank you all for helping to make this happen,” stated Rick Nelson, curator of the Old Mill Heritage Museum. “It took two-three years to make it happen, but it is well worth it.”
Billings Mayor Bryan Barker said, “On behalf of Billings Township, I would like to welcome everyone here this afternoon to the Veteran Banner dedication ceremony. Like all of you I have parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who served their country and communities in the time of need and we know full well the hardships and sacrifices that they endured in their commitment to peace and freedom. As a country we are committed to remembering these sacrifices.”
“I am honoured to be part of this caring community and to have been invited here today to be part of this worthy dedication,” said Mayor Barker.
“I would like to thank our museum curator Rick Nelson and the museum board for their hard work and commitment, Dave Bowerman of D & L Contracting, Linda Bowerman of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 177 (Little Current) and Billings staff and council for their support.”
Family members held a photo of their loved ones who had served in the Canadian Forces as everyone gathered for a group photograph under two of the banners.
The Old Mill Heritage Museum Board in cooperation with the municipality and local families and in consultation with the Cenotaph board made the project happen.
The 11 banners start with one at the top of the hill into the village of Kagawong at Dig and Doug (Cedar Furniture) continue on hydro posts down to the marina area in the village.
The 11 veterans whose photo and war service information as well as the name of the sponsoring family include veteran Clarence Bjorklund who served in the Canadian Army in World War Two sponsored by the Aelick family, Harry Elliot Haines who served in World War Two in the Canadian Army sponsored by the Haines Family, William Lyle Graham who served in the Royal Canadian Navy in WWII and was sponsored by the W.L. Graham family, Murray Thompson, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WWII, sponsored by the Thompson family, WWII Canadian Navy veteran George Boyd sponsored by the Boyd family, who also sponsored the banner for Tom Boyd a WWI veteran in the Canadian Army, Allan Tustian who served in the Royal Canadian Navy in WW2 and whose banner was sponsored by the Tustian family, veteran Austin Hunt Sr. who served in the Canadian Army in WWI sponsored by the Hunt family, Donald Boyd Freeborn who served in WW2 in the Royal Canadian Air Force and whose banner was sponsored by Peter and Anne Marie Clarke, veteran Frederick George Green a WW2 veteran in the Royal Canadian Air Force, sponsored by the Green family, and Frederick Matthew Graham, who served in the Canadian Army in WWI, sponsored by the Graham grandchildren.
The Old Mill Museum paid half of the costs, with the veterans’ families paying the other half of the costs involved for the brackets to hold the banners, the banners themselves and miscellaneous expenses. Billings Township helped by providing in kind donations toward the banner project.
Dave Bowerman of D & L Contracting and Cement Finishing of M’Chigeeng donated his time, and an employee’s time to hoist the banners. Mr. Nelson also noted he had turned to Linda Bowerman of the Royal Canadian Legion for her experience in researching this project.
The veteran’s banners will remain in place until after Remembrance Day. Once the banners come down, the brackets will stay up for use by other community organizations.
