Daily Blog

New Life Injected Into a Fledgling Joint Saanich, Victoria WW l Memorial !

9/30/2018

The past two blogs have brought you some of the history of the Victoria, Oak Bay and Saanich communities in a joint effort to create a lasting memorial honouring about 600 men and women from the area who lost their lives in the Great War.

In doing the research into this subject I have turned to many individuals and resources, one of these being the Daily Colonist newspapers of the day. On looking at these and so many others over the years, I have become fascinated with not only the story being researched but other events of the day I stumble upon. This applied equally to our Shelboure Street memorial.

Back in 1921 you could get six newspapers a week of about 20 pages daily. Over 500 pages for the month for a whopping $1.00.

Here's one of the gem's from 1921...

Another news clip of this October 2nd event (97 yrs ago Tuesday next) tells us that an official ceremony commemorating the Memorial Road would be conducted near the south end of Mount Doug on Shelbourne, The Honorable Lt Governor Walter C Nicoll was to plant a tree and others probably did so as well, including BC's Premiere John Oliver.

Apparently they were going to be using explosive charges in order to open up the ground, but cancelled the plan when they realized with some 5,000 spectators, its was far too dangerous to do this.

But what really caught my eye was the initials... GAUV. The Grand Army United Veterans. So similar in name to the famous US veterans national group..the GAR, the Grand Army of the Republic, which formed just after the US Civil War. GAR had several branches in central and eastern Canada, and it almost sounds like they may have been in BC, in some form or another. (yet more to research).

Union General John Logan became the first Commander in Chief of the GAR in the US back in 1868 and in very short order created a directive that all veterans SHALL seek out the graves of other veterans who had passed and decorate their graves, He chose a day that most would be in bloom across the US, that being the 30th of May. The holiday became known as Decoration Day, but it would morph in what is now Memorial Day in the US and celebrated on the last Monday of May each year. His story has appeared here several times.

Getting back again to the newspaper searches here in Victoria, another item jumped out regarding memorials and the 1921 ceremony in particular.

On today's date, back in 1921 the public were told of the coming home of the remains of a US soldier who could not be identified, but was known to be KIA in France.

On November 11th 1921 dignitaries from around the free world traveled to Washington DC, and Arlington National Cemetery to pay their own country's respects for the fallen comrade. Most brought along and awarded to the deceased their own country's highest of bravery medals that were of course joined by the US's Medal of Honor.

Britain presented the Victoria Cross. Canada's Prime Minister attended and with him were two Canadian Victoria Cross recipients, one of them being the oldest recipient then alive in the world.

Today the tomb is joined by other Unknowns from several war fronts and lay beside their comrade at Arlington. This is probably the most famous of all memorials on US soil.

Back in Victoria, yesterday about 1,000 friends and neighbours, veterans, dignitaries and serving members of the militia, the cadets, various bands and the RCN gathered to either participate in or witness the short but most dignified ceremony to unveil one of the new Memorial Avenue signs, an interpretation sign, and to officially learn that the project is well on its way to reaching goals sought so many years ago. Goals that have been allowed to slip by for far too long.

Here we see the memorial to the three tree plantings in 1922 and its location at the above intersection and at the base of a Londonplane tree. It was probably in this very spot where the premiere and Honorable Lt Governor planted at least one or more trees in 1921 . And in 1922 The Governor General and 2 other generals also planted trees. One of these being General Joffre who commanded all French troops in the Western Front area during the war.

Yesterday's ceremony took place several houses north of the white car on the tight in this image. One must wonder how many of those attending realized that yesterday they walked in the very footsteps of these great forefathers, while gathered to honor our dead.

Many, if not all of the new Memorial Avenue signs have been installed along both sides of Shelbourne now. At least one set of interpretative signs has also been installed already. it is at the very intersection where the General's plaques are found.

Here is the interpretive sign, with the one side giving some of the details about the program, while on the other is a map of the area showing Memorial Avenue in a red line running southbound from Mount Doug Park.

Looking closely at the image on the left, you can see a Londonplane tree. At its base, though not shown in the image, is the Generals' plague.

Here we see the Naden band, and below is the Canadian Scottish with other pipers.

Here we see the Air force cadets and below the CFB Esquimalt's Base Commander and Base Chief

Here we see Saanich Councillor Haynes standing in the dark suit. Three chairs to his right sits Mr. Nuttall and his wife, standing in the white Jacket. They lost their son during the Afghanistan war. A re-enactor looks on and chats with them.

Saanich Councillor Susan Brice is at the podium as MC, but unfortunately just of the picture to the left. I apologize but do not have the name of the representative from the First Nations who gave prayers in her native tongue and English. Member of Parliament Murray Rankin sits at her left and to his left sits Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, MLA, 2nd from end is Saanich Mayor Richard Attwell and to his left site the honourable Janet Austin BC's recently appointed Lt Governor.

Each brought words of wisdom, a reminder that we sit or stand on the lands of the First Nations, and how we must continue to preserve the memories of those who gave their all so that we could live in peace,

The Lt. Governor and others first unveiled the sample new Memorial Avenue road signs, as shown above and then an example of the Interpretive signs was also unveiled.

As we stood in stillness for the playing of the Last Post, I could not help but notice almost the perfect silence. There were a few rattling of chairs and a few babies crying, but they seemed to be off in the distance. But then the earey silence was broken by the ruffling of leaves being blown about in the airt and on the ground before us.

It was if the fallen were reaching out to us and thanking us for remembering them.

What more can I say !

This was indeed a community effort, but I feel much of its success rests on the shoulders of Ray Travers and his group for taking on this challenge and for the community to be so willing to play their roles to see it to this stage of fruition. There is more to be done but I will save that for another day.

In the mean time Ray's goal was to have a dignified service in remembrance of the fallen, to get the street up and running again and to again inject some life back into the stories of these community heroes. I'd say his efforts resulting in a resounding success.

Well done Sir.

See you next week.
Bart

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Memorial Avenue to be yet again proclaimed by a British Columbia Lt. Governor.

9/23/2018

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Last week in this space I brought you the first part of the story of Saanich's Memorial Avenue. With shagrin, it had quickly become known as Shelbourne Street even though almost since it's opening was clearly proclaimed Memorial Avenue.

Back in 1918 the greater Victoria area consisted of the city of Victoria, the districts of Saanich and Oak Bay and the township of Esquimalt. Today there are 13 neighborhoods within the greater Victoria area. And back in 1918 the total population was about 50,000,

During the Great War about 600 of these metro men and women lost their lives in battle in order that we could live in peace back home.

The earlier blog told of the first authorizing of the road in 1918, (the first of its kind in Canada,) and its opening in 1921 with the first ever tree planting on the Memorial Avenue of a London Planetree that year. Three most prominent generals would also pay their highest of respect to the fallen with 3 more plantings on different dates the following year. In 1976 a plaque in site was erected on site honouring the generals, who in turn were honouring the deceased.

Here is that plaque, sometimes called the Generals' plaque.

The original plans called for about 800 trees along both sides of Shelbourne. With each there was to be a small iron fence circling the base of the tree and within, a small plaque bearing the name of a deceased soldier, sailor etc. But over the years the plaques got stolen. Only 2 were apparently still in place in the 1960's. A third had been saved after it was found in a ditch by students if the St Michael's school. It was given to the Head Master whom handed it over to the folks at Saanich archives.

Some of the trees died after being poorly maintained while hundred fell way of the buzz saw for road expansion. There is a wonderful story about school children that planted five new trees not far from the San Juan crossing and yet another where Gordon Head students...10 year olds.. took up a petition in 1969 pleading with Saanich to stop cutting these trees down... and Reeve Hugh Curtiss did.

Now it is time to introduce someone else... He's more than 7 times the age of the Gordon Head students but he is so proud of what they and so many others have done to rally around his efforts to develop short term and long term plans for the Memorial Avenue Committee. As Chair Ray has created an Action Plan known as the Street of Unfinished Dreams program of this committee known as the Street of Unfinished Dreams. This of course being the renewal of pledges to get the proper trees, back in place, and a plan in place to ensure proper maintenance in the years to come.

And Ray knows something about tree maintenance. He has worked around trees since the early 1969's and holds credentials as a retired Registered Professional Forester.

Ray is also a walking encyclopedia of the Canadian Great War battlefields of the Western Front. He is also a well talented researcher in genealogy. It is thru these that I met Ray several years ago. I quickly learned that when he spoke regarding any of these topics , it was wisest to simply pay close attention and learn from a master. Thus, l have been able to learn from his experience in all three areas.

On asking about his WW l interest he tells me that he lost both grandfathers in battles in the Western Front. But like many things in life it takes time to pick the roads you travel. Over the past few decades those roads led to the battlefields Canadians would last draw the breath of life. His two grandfathers included.

Over the past five years if not more, Ray has honed in on the Memorial Avenue project, has gathered the support of many groups and individuals, laid out plans of what to do, when and how and started making the rounds to dozens of organizations and meeting after meeting. I was lucky enough to travel with him on a handful of these and was so impressed to see and hear his presentations of what should have been done, what needs to be done and what after actions are necessary to bring life back into the Shelbourne area of Saanich and Victoria.

As a direct result of his efforts, Saanich has tweaked his ideas and both have come to agreement of the breathing of life back in to the Memorial Avenue.

Ray's committee and Saanich's have combined efforts to come up with a wonderful image or symbol to be mounted at about 30 cross roads along Shelbourne Street that identifies it as also Memorial Avenue. The folks in the area do not have ro worry as the Shelbourne name will continue to be used, but signage will include both names.

The folks at the Royal Canadian Legion are quite protective of the use of the poppy... which they own... but have approved of its use for the street signs. One appears to the left and right of the Londonplane Leaf in the centre, the red signifying the horrific loss of blood on the battlefields, though off colour with the actual yellowish of the Londonplane leaf, and to be used along the street. Ray and Saanich are quite thankful for the Legion's approval of the project.

It is hoped that these signs will be mounted along the Shelbourne corridor before month's end.

Part of the action plan is to also install interpretive signs at several locations along the route. These will explain various stages of the Memorial Avenue over the years and of course many of the battles Canadians lost their lives in during the war.

Below are the 4 signs....

Some of the writing for these signs was I believe done by a Western Front Association, Pacific Branch fellow member Allan Macleod. He is also on Ray's committee. Over several years Alan traveled across the country to document the soldiers memorialized in bronze or stone, and those who made the statues in a book called Remembered in Bronze or Stone.

The Interpretive panels are also expected to be mounted before month's end.,. and at several locations along the route. Saanich tells me that financial backing for part of the program has come from the good folks who do such great work at Heritage BC. ( https://heritagebc.ca/ )

Next Saturday, September 29, a formal ceremony will take place near Mount Doug park to officially unveil the road signs and interpretation panels. Here is the formal poster...

Ray Travers tells me that he wants the ceremony of Saturday to be dignified in the presence of the Honourable Lt Governor Janet Austin. He adds that the service must also be a noble tribute to the great human costs of the Great War including the preservation of the freedom of the Canada we know today, and why we live here.

Please try to get out on Saturday, and when there find Ray and shake his hand. He has earned it !

Bart

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Planting the seeds...

9/16/2018

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Last week's blog brought you information about many of our service men and women and other's who have spent years volunteering for a wide range of causes. I led into that with the observation that the very men and women mostly written about in this space were themselves volunteers who came forth when the call came to help preserve their way of life, to protect their country from attacks within and without.

This week again I wish to start by recognizing the men and women all along the Eastern seaboard of the US who are doing the herculean task of trying to protect their families, neighbours and their communities where possible from the deadly results of the hurricane, at its worse in many places as I write.

It was also only a week ago that men and women all around the world remembered the devastating costs of lost lives during the 911 attacks, and how the US and in fact the global society is still suffering from that catastrophe and at war since.

Here in Victoria BC we shared the grief with those around the world. We all are also preparing to give the proper honours due our forefathers and mothers, other family members and communities across the world that will soon find themselves in thoughts of the horrors they faced during the Great War that came to an end a century ago.

A war that once again called for the most... for volunteers... in the uniforms of the nurses, soldiers and sailors, airmen, coast guard and marines, the police and other emergency services back home or on the front line.

As the war progressed, back home the communities across the country were faced with dealing with the high costs of suffering the disabilities and the death that all wars bring. Soon families would be creating memorials to their lost loved ones that would add up to the thousands and more.

In England the communities and patriotic societies came to the concept of having something in addition to the tomb stone or the unit or town's statute at city hall and other public places. Thoughts turned to something living..., that would grow and give life to the community rather than the cold face of a grave marker.

There the International Congress of Women were discussing something they called the Roads to Remembrance. These called for the planting of grand trees that would grow to great heights and last for centuries and bring life, and blooms galore to those that passed under them. These being properly placed, would line both sides of the street and stretch for miles of pleasant walking or driving and hopefully be identified as tokens of thanks for those who gave their all for their hometowns. The very roads would be long and straight and symbolize the long roads the soldiers traveled in France. And the abundance of life shown by the trees as they aged would be a sign of life over death, rather than the usual cold grave stone or monument.

One of the Congress members was a friend of a Major by the name of Arthur Haggard who just happened to be the founder of Britain's Veterans Association, and a member of a committee set up on the very topic of these sorts of memorials.

Soon the concept was shared to many parts of the world. One of these was to Major Haggard's sister... the Baroness d'Anethan... who was living in a place called Victoria British Columbia. Da!

The Baroness (above) no doubt had many a discussion with patriotic organizations in Victoria and may have played a role in a smaller sized Road of Remembrance. The High School on Vinning Street planted 14 trees on the April 1917 anniversary of the famous battle at Ypres after 14 of their students and teachers were killed in action.

On Nov, 18 of the following year the Victoria city Mayor announced that a road would be made running in a straight line running northbound from Bay Street to Mount Doug Park. Discussions were apparently held on trees being planted on both sides of the street in honour of the dead soldiers etc, for the whole length and that it would be called Memorial Avenue. One of the strong proponents at the time was well respected businessman Thomas Walker.

For those not familiar with the City of Victoria BC, here is a map showing a portion of the Municipality of Saanich. It border several portions of the City, and shown here is a portion of Saanich The heavy line being what was supposed to be called memorial Avenue, but ended up being called Shelbourne Street, for unknown reasons.

The road continues to the south into the city of Victoria. About a dozen of the blocks adjacent to the map shown would have also been part of memorial Avenue.

On October 2 1921 The Honourable Lt. Governor of BC performed a memorial ceremony at Shelbourne/Memorial Avenue near Mount Doug and planted the first tree in honor of WWl soldiers who gave their lives in battle. The news clipping are most difficult to read but indicate that drivers were available to run the military and others out in time for the mid afternoon event.

The following month the road was officially opened with another ceremony. Here's what the press had to say about the event...

Premier Oliver also attended and witnessed The Honorable Walter Nichol , our Lt. Governor as he planted the first of what was to be about 800 trees along Memorial Avenue.

General Joffre of France, the Chief of France's General Staff during the war was in Victoria in 1922 and also planted a tree near Mount Doug. Here are a few clippings, one showing that earlier in the day he unveiled a plaque in Township of Esquimalt in honour of several of their lost men in battle.

Those with a sharp eye will recognize the name of General Joffre. He has been mentioned several times in these blogs, including at least once in presenting a Canadian nurse a medal.

As you can see from above, our Governor General, Lord Byng was also here in Victoria in the Fall of 1922 and also planted a tree in honour of our Great War dead. As was General Currie, but I have yet to locate articles on his visit.

In 1976 a small plaque detailing the above 3 visits and tree planting was mounted along Shelbourne Road at the corner of San Juan.

I suspect hundreds, if not thousands pass by it every day and do not even know it is there. If you are one of these folks, please take the time to visit it and pay your respects.

The monument is at the back of the circle and between the two signs.

One of the original London Plane Trees, now almost 100 years old, stands just behind the monument.

Here is a close up of that tree, complete with a wonderful kind thought of remembrance by some unknown passer bye.

Next week I will bring you some very exciting news about this Memorial Avenue. Please don't miss it. And further, keep from 10.30 till noon free on Saturday September 29th.

I'll tell you why next Sunday.

See you then,
Bart

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A Change is as Good as a Rest!

9/9/2018

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The last two weeks have allowed me to get caught up with some health issues and plenty of needed rest.

While bringing you a blog once a week does not seem like a lot of work, often it takes days of digging and sorting and frustration before something can be put into a story that I feel I want to share with you.

Some over the years have been better than others. But I keep pushing on. The efforts I have chosen to spend so much time on, bring family stories together, help to put new pieces of the puzzle in place and often identify new missing pieces. But all the efforts are exerted to bring back the voices of heroes that have long since faded. Putting more life into them helps us to not only preserve our history and heritage, but also helps us remember who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going.

The stories told in this place are, for the most part, about volunteers who came forward to answer the call at a time of need. Volunteering for the most part possibly, that led to shaping their own lives and that of their place of birth, or in many a case, place they chose to serve and perhaps later reside.

Separated from family for months, or years saw the men... and women in many a case, coming home with the unheard of PTSD, or life long injuries and disease, lost limbs and often the loss of life.

Volunteering can start at an early age.. the selling of freshie in your front yard, or the delivering of the morning paper when the neighbour paperboy..or girl.. is sick in bed. As you grow older the more serous causes come to light and all still cry out for volunteerism.

Statistics Canada tells us that in 2010 alone, over 13.3 MILLION Canadians aged over 15, did volunteer work of one sort or another. That amounted to an equivalent of 2 BILLION hrs worked. And that would total just over 1.1 Million full time jobs.

And some times, while not expecting it, you get a nice thank you or pat on the back.

Back in April 1996 our RIght Honourable Governor General Romeo LeBlanc decided that one of his goals as the Commander in Chief was to reach out and thank the volunteers. He wanted to formally encourage those who had, and in many cases were continuing to give so much of their lives to volunteer, without compensation. And to do so to make their country a better place to live, work, raise their families and help to make their country a better place for all.

He pioneered the creation of what became known as the Caring Canadian Award. This program allowed anyone in Canada or beyond, to nominate anyone else in Canada, or beyond, whom the nominator believed was deserving of recognition for their tireless, extensive and far reaching efforts without any compensation, to improve the lot of others in Canada.

Plans called for the presentation of an award lapel pin, as shown above, a certificate and letter personally signed by the Governor General. If possible the presentation would include all the possible pomp and ceremony, and take place at Ottawa. Plans also allowed for Lt. Governor's or other high officials to present the award when trips to the capital were not possible.

Nominations came in from all across the country and from those a committee selected 116 recipients in that first year. (14 of these came to BC residents.) Each received the above shown lapel pin, the letter and certificate in impressive ceremonies at Ottawa and across the country.

Here we see Governor General LeBlanc presenting a certificate to one of the very fortunate, and no doubt well deserving volunteers.

The lapel pin above is in the colours of blue and gold, the same that appear of the Vice Regal flag. Thus, the connection is shown between the award and the Governor General of Canada.

The maple leaf symbolizes the people of Canada and their spirit. The heart depicts the open heartedness of the volunteer. The outstretched hand portrays the boundless generosity. The helping hand supports the maple leaf.

Over the years hundreds of men and women, and even youth, (one I found only 13 years of age,) were honoured with the presentation of the Caring Canadian Award.

In 2015 the then Governor General, the Right Honorable David Johnston received permission from HRH Queen Elizabeth ll to upgrade the Caring Canadian Award. His announcement in July advised that in keeping with the earlier award, it was being upgraded to an actual medal. It would join the list of the country's official medals and would also be awarded retroactively to all holders of the Caring Canadian Award.

On 12 April 2016, the first ever awarding of the new medal took place at Ottawa. Fifty five very proud Canadian men and women stood at Rideau Hall and had their medals presented by the Governor General in person.

While the medal is part of the official list of honours, it should be noted that this medal, called the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers, is the ONLY medal for volunteerism awarded by the Governor General of Canada.

Here we see the actual medal of honor with suspension ribbon. To the right is the medal's reverse. The ribbon's red honours Royalty while the blue and gold honours the Governor General. The five gold stripes represent the fingers of the hand used in the original Caring Canadian Award.

The front of the silver medal, which is made by the Canadian Mint, has a current image of the sovereign and the inscription of the Canadian Royal Title and the word "Canada" separated by two maple leafs.

The reverse reflects the ideas of caring and generosity and is represented by the two interlaced hearts. The sunburst pattern along the medal's rim reflect the time the volunteer gives and the actions they have performed.

In the fall of that first year of the new medal, I was advised that as a result of then about 17 years of research regarding the Canadian recipients of the Medal of Honor, I had been nominated for, and selected as one of the recipients of this most attractive and prestigious medal.

In Jan 2017 I had the incredible privilege to attend a most formal ceremony at Government House here in Victoria BC with 30 other recipients, as shown above.

After the introductions each new recipient was invited to the platform met with and shook hands with our Lt Governor of the time, Mrs Judith Guichon, had our pictures taken individually with the LG and listened as a brief description of our volunteer efforts were read out to our fellow inductees and a room full of honoured guests and family members.

This followed with a wonderful reception and the above photo being taken. I am standing in row two at the centre and behind our former Lt. Governor. Don't confuse me with the other guy with all the hair.

Each recipient was given a package with several items inside. This presentation folder contained a personal letter the Governor General wrote me, thanking me for my work, and also the formal certificate regarding the medal presented.

And here is the letter and certificate above mentioned.

The actual medal was pined on my chest, but above is its storage box. At right is an image from the net containing a medal. Also note the small silver lapel pin with the same facing as the reverse of the actual medal, and described above.

Over the years there have been thousands of Caring Canadian Awards and later the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers awarded. From my calculations I believe that a total of 589 of these came to British Columbia volunteers. About 82 came to the greater Victoria area.

And of the 589, about 214 were the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

Three days ago our new Lt. Governor presided over another ceremony at Government House here in Victoria. At that time another 41 recipients received their medals in front of a packed room of dignitaries, family and friends.

You can see this live at... http://video.web.gov.bc.ca/gh/live/

You can see the list of recipients and their citations at...
http://ltgov.bc.ca/news/cary-castle-news/the-sovereigns-medal-for-volunteers/

A number of these recipients were either in or connected to the Canadian Forces or the legion or both.

I wish to congratulate all recipients, but in particular the military men and women listed below...

Having read all of this blog, you must know someone, in fact many people who have for years, if not decades gone out of their way to help with many a cause. While they have not sought compensation, why not reach out and give them a pat on the back by nominating them for one of these most impressive medals. (If you are in the US... research similar awards and start to nominate these unsung heroes.)

In Canada, Here's how... go the the Governor General's website...

And for the curious who want to see who has one of these or a dozen other federal medals you can search this out by going to... https://www.gg.ca/honours.aspx

That's enough for tonight. See you next week.
Bart

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New Life Injected Into a Fledgling Joint Saanich, Victoria WW l Memorial !

Memorial Avenue to be yet again proclaimed by a British Columbia Lt. Governor.

Planting the seeds...

A Change is as Good as a Rest!

Author;
Bart Armstrong, C.D.,
Recipient, Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers

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New Life Injected Into a Fledgling Joint Saanich, Victoria WW l Memorial !

Memorial Avenue to be yet again proclaimed by a British Columbia Lt. Governor.

Planting the seeds...

A Change is as Good as a Rest!

Author;Bart Armstrong, C.D., Recipient, Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers

Archives

Categories

Author;
Bart Armstrong, C.D.,
Recipient, Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers