War Memorial dedication draws a crowd Merasheeners come out to honour veterans People gathered at the spot for the dedication ceremony, held Sept. 3. On Saturday, September 3rd, over 100 people gathered in the resettled community of Merasheen to unveil and celebrate a new war memorial dedicated to 47 people from Merasheen Island who fought in various wars. Merasheen, which at its peak had a population of about 360, was resettled in the late 1960s and although the people had to leave their homes to move to other parts of Newfoundland, most notably to the Placentia area, many continue to ‘come home’ every year. While they have physically moved, their hearts remain in Merasheen. Every summer the island comes alive again with laughter, stories and songs of bygone days. Old friendships are rekindled, memories are relived, and once again they are home where they belong. Today there are approximately 40 cabins (two of which were built this summer) and a community centre that was built in 1995. The centre is host to dances, get-togethers and ‘times’ for the crowd who gather in Merasheen throughout the year. Reunions have been held every five years since 1980 and at these events the population can reach up to 500. Merasheeners have always held the highest respect and pride for their ancestors, and the construction of this war memorial dedicated to those who fought in WWI and WWII is proof of that. They recognize that without the efforts of our war veterans, we would not be enjoying the freedom and rights that we have today. It was with this in mind that Captain Paddy Ennis undertook this project. He wanted to ensure that future generations would always remember that the sons and daughters of Merasheen were proud to be a part of the war effort. This monument is a permanent reminder of the sacrifices the veterans made and its existence will ensure that they will not be forgotten. Captain Ennis, together with his committee of volunteers, worked tirelessly over the last several months to ensure the completion by Labour Day. Their efforts were rewarded this weekend when they were blessed with good sailing weather which brought over 100 people to Merasheen. The appreciation of the spectators and participants was certainly evident in the attendance and in the favourable comments as well as the numerous applauses and congratulations received. The monument itself is a four-sided black granite obelisk. The front side is inscribed with “In Honour of Merasheen War Veterans” in both English and French. One side has the names of six WWI veterans; another section has nineteen WWII veterans; while the fourth side has the names of merchant marines from both wars. The base of the monument has the inscription “Lest we Forget” also in both English and French. The memorial is constructed on the foundation of the old St. Joseph’s Church. Access is via the church steps that were built in 1916 and are still in excellent condition. The cenotaph is in the centre of a 10’ x 10’ area, overlaid with flagstones, and fenced in on three sides. This, in turn, is in the middle of a newly built wooden platform, approximately 30’ x 30’ which has benches on three sides and can accommodate over 100 people, as was noted this weekend. This is now a place where people can come together to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before us and where one can behold the beauty of Merasheen and the surrounding area of Placentia Bay. Funding for construction of the site was received, in part, from Veterans Affairs Canada through their Community War Memorial Funding program, while the majority came from fundraising efforts, monetary donations from Merasheeners and most notably in the form of donations of time and manpower of the Merasheeners on the island. The construction of the site was no easy task. All building materials had to be dropped off at the wharf in Placentia, loaded by hand onto a boat for transportation to the island, off loaded by hand at the wharf in Merasheen and carried to the site. Only then could the construction begin. Summer residents of Merasheen gladly gave of their time over several weeks to help. Without them, this project would not have been completed. The site is a high point on the island. It can easily be seen upon entering Merasheen harbour and is visible from almost every cabin on the island. On the morning of the 3rd, activity at the wharf started early with about ten boats arriving between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., and carried about 60 passengers to join with the over 40 people who were already in Merasheen. The coast guard vessel The Jackman and its crew were also on hand and joined in the dedication. The ceremony commenced at 12 noon with a parade from the plant wharf to the site. Booklets were distributed with a short biography on each of the names listed on the monument. The procession was led by George Ennis, Ray Pomroy and Andy Ennis who proudly carried the Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British flags (courtesy of Placentia branch of the Royal Canadian Legion) through the community for the mile long walk to the war memorial site. Cabin owners joined in all along the way. Master of Ceremonies, Marjorie Pittman welcomed everyone and addressed the crowd by saying, “Since the idea of erecting a monument to honour our war veterans was first conceived, this project has been a labour of love. It has involved numerous Merasheeners who gave so freely of their time and who worked together in the good old-fashioned way. This combined effort epitomizes the spirit of our community, the many generous and selfless acts ensured the completion of this site, and the endorsement and support received shows the tremendous respect this community has for its war veterans”. After singing Oh Canada, messages from various dignitaries were read by Patricia Ennis Burke, Jerome Ennis, Donatus Fulford and Stella Wilson. Although several provincial and federal officials were invited, unfortunately none were available. This did not sit well with a large number of people in attendance. Sr. Nellie Pomroy, in her opening prayer, said: “We gather today in our home of Merasheen to remember in a special way, to pay tribute and honour to the women and men of our community who gave their time in service in wars. Each one of these women and men was called to serve in a unique way according to each ones God-given gifts. The decision to leave home and go to an unknown country or place took great courage and a strong commitment to serve their country, to help all of us and generations to come, to live in freedom and peace. In recognizing the people from our island home, we also are aware of the tens of thousands of brave women and men from other free nations who fought for our freedom. The gift of service was strengthened by the gift of faith. We have no doubt that each person who left our shores in times of war was accompanied and supported by the prayers of their families and friends at home. Their steadfast faith was a strong support. It is fitting that we place this monument on the foundation of our church steps – the place where the door of our church stood, the door through which those whose memory and service we honour today, often entered to praise and give thanks to God; the same door through which most of us gathered here, also entered to join the rest of our community in worship and thanksgiving to God for our abundant blessings and blessing”. Rosemary Walsh Tobin did a scripture reading and Ron Wilson read the intercessions. After the playing of the Last Post, a minute of silence, Playing of Reveille and rising of the flags (by Eugene Pittman, Gerard Wilson and Gerard Pomroy), the monument was unveiled by Paddy Ennis. The names of those inscribed on the monument were read by Aaron Barnett, Brittany Miller and Viola Pomroy Pink. Wreaths were laid for veterans of WWI by Jennifer and Sheena Pittman (whose great-grandfather and great-great uncle were in WWI); for veterans of WWII by Laura Wilson Goss (whose brother, sister and several relatives were in WWII and whose father was in WWI); and for Merchant Marine veterans by Mary Pitcher (whose husband Ron is a surviving member of the merchant marines). Individual wreaths were also laid by several families in honour of their loved ones. The ceremony concluded with the singing of “The Ode to Newfoundland” and “God Save the Queen”. It was followed by all joining hands and singing “Merasheen Farewell” which was written by Captain Ernie Wilson, a veteran of WWII. This song is song practically every time a group of Merasheeners gather, and was a fitting conclusion to the ceremony. A reception was held at the community centre where refreshments were served, the cake was cut by Blake O’Keefe (great-grandson of Ronald Pitcher and the youngest participant), Laura Wilson Goss and Paddy Ennis. Ryan Connors played a clip of “Merchant Marine” video, and Paddy Ennis was given a rousing round of applause for spear heading the project. It was his selfless gesture and ceaseless efforts that resulted in this monument being constructed and everyone showed their appreciation. This was followed by entertainment from Eugene Pittman, Eric & Jane Connors, Ernie Walsh, Barb Wilson and Ron Wilson and Art & Viola Pink. As some people were only visiting for the day, they had to leave, but the remainder finished off the evening with a dance in the community centre. It is anticipated that a ceremony will be held annually at the site, either on July 1st or Labour Day weekend.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 01:00:30 +0000
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