The Annapolis Heritage Society’s “Annapolis County Book of Service and Remembrance” is nearing completion after several years of dedicated work by project volunteers. The book will commemorate Annapolis County residents’ historic contributions in service to Canada during times of conflict.
“Nearly everyone had a grandfather, father, uncle, aunt, mother or brother who served in the military during one of the wars,” says project volunteer Sandy Connell, who had the idea to compile the book of stories.
“Having lived for many years in Annapolis County West, in the vicinity of the former Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis naval base; and having grown up in a military family, I heard many stories of service and sacrifice during World War I, World War II, Korea and Afghanistan.”
The goal of project is to give Annapolis County residents a chance to share their stories, and to preserve those stories so future generations will remember the people featured and their contributions.
“To remember that every single person who went overseas to serve made sacrifices,” says Connell. “The fact veterans usually suffered in silence and would not talk about the events of the wars came up again and again from families who have submitted pictures and information for the book.”
This silence motivated Connell and the other project volunteers’ to ensure everyone has an opportunity to have their story told, and their sacrifice remembered. One of the stories to be featured in the book of remembrance is that of Gordon Hall Eaton, who served in the 13Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery during the Second World War. Eaton was injured overseas but, thanks to the care of a Belgian family, he recovered and was able to return to active duty and, eventually, back to his home in Granville after the war.
“We are seeking photos from folks who served in any of the wars, along with information about where they served and any special stories or information that families wish to share,” says the society’s museum director, Madeline Hoyle.
Community members are invited to help fill the final pages of this memorial book by the end of August. A fee of $25 per page will be applied to submissions included in the book, with the final version ready in time for Remembrance Day this November. A printed copy of the book will be displayed at the O’Dell House Museum, and copies will be available for purchase.
Annapolis County residents willing to share their own stories, or the stories of family members who have served Canada, may reach project organizers at annapolisheritage@gmail.com or 902-532-7754.
The Annapolis Heritage Society owns and operates two museums, the O’Dell House Museum and the Sinclair Inn Museum. It also manages North Hills Museum on behalf of the Nova Scotia Museum, and operates a genealogy centre out of the O’Dell House Museum.
