by Julie McIntosh
SOUTH BAYMOUTH—A repatriation ceremony took place at the Little Schoolhouse and Museum in South Baymouth on Sunday, September 11 to commemorate local soldiers who fought during the WWI and WWII.
The ceremony began at 11 am with approximately 45 people present. Families, veterans, couples and locals were reported to be present as the ceremony took place.
Veterans recognized in the ceremony were Benjamin and Dennis Ballentyne from the Hilly Grove region, who had their WWI victory medals repatriated, Valentine Willman, who had his medals repatriated last year, and the late Albert Baker, who was commemorated for his service in WWII. The history of Mr. Baker’s medals remain unknown, and is being enquired upon by his living relatives.
Heritage Day and the repatriation of the medals of local soldiers to the museum.
photos by Julie McIntosh
The ceremony was in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #177, which aided in recovering the lost medals to the veteran’s closest of kin. The ceremony proceeded with a history of the local Legion, as well as a short history of their rifle troop, then followed by the honour salute.
For its second year, the ceremony was in conjunction with the Little Schoolhouse’s Family Heritage Day. Loretta Mucha, curator of the Little Schoolhouse and Museum, reminds us that coupling both events help to reconnect us with our forbearers. “Our mandate is to honour and protect the past, and to teach about the past.”
Willman’s medals on display.
Notably, veteran Albert Baker lived his last decades in South Baymouth and spent several years renting boats to tourists near the shore. However, seldom knew of his time spent in the war. “We didn’t know until his family called about the medals,” said Eleanor Lentir, treasurer of the Michael’s Bay Association and attendant at the ceremony.
The ceremony gave the opportunity for Ms. Lentir to reflect on the life of her neighbour. She knew Mr. Baker growing up in the area. “Albert was a quiet, kind man, very respectful, and took care of his mother.”
When reflecting on the array of visitors who came to the ceremony, Ms. Mucha was pleased to see many young children in attendance. “I feel like if you don’t know about your past, you don’t know who you are.” She hopes that family days like these will bring people closer to understanding their identity and the members of their community with fought for their country.
Also present at the ceremony was the South Baymouth Community Development Association. Volunteers were selling food during their barbecue fundraiser. Money collected will return to the community and help develop and upkeep projects in the area.
