Berwick’s second year raising of veterans’ recognition banners on town streets is all about sharing stories, sparking conversations and bringing memories to life. At its October 13 ceremony, even the “Ask me about…” name tags for veterans’ family members to wear were another prompt to remember just what some people have – and continue to – sacrifice.
Another 20 banners were added this Fall, making 59 with last year’s inaugural project. The banners, featuring veterans’ photos, names and simple service details; are “an investment in remembrance,” said co-organizer Michele Champion.
“These banners ensure names, faces and stories remain visible in our community and, with the biographies brochure, there is an opportunity for learning, reflection and remembrance. The banners are being woven into the fabric of our town.”
This second year of banners includes two Bowers, three Robinsons and many other “names people know, and names people share today.
“The past reaches into the present, because of people who made a difference we still feel.” Champion said.
The Berwick event included representatives of Royal Canadian Legion Nova Scotia Nunavut Command and Ortona Branch 69, the Town of Berwick, Veterans Affairs Canada; and Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois, Kings West MLA Chris Palmer and Canada Post president and CEO Doug Ettinger.
“Last year brought a huge sense of pride to our community, seeing the veterans’ banners on poles around town,” said Berwick mayor Mike Trinacty, congratulating the organizing committee on its continued efforts, and thanks families for their support. “The program is growing. We’re proud as a town to be able to help out behind the scenes – and we’re ready to roll, putting the banners up!”
Berwick public works staffer Connor Roop was outside town hall on a lift following the inside service, “trying to make it perfect!” he said, hanging the first two of the 2026 banners.
Private Herbert Parsons joined the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in 1914 – just two months after his 14th birthday. Seven months later, he was 6,000 kilometres from home on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. He contracted an illness in the trenches and was invalided back to the United Kingdom, returning to his regiment in 1918: altogether serving 1,610 days in uniform – all his teenage years.
On the pole with Parsons is the banner for Private Robert Lockhart, who served two years with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in the Korean War, where he was wounded twice. Lockhart was present during the Berwick event, with family around him; he now lives at the Soldier’s Memorial Veterans Unit in Middleton.
