This is a link from the Journal-Pioneer--and it's a great example of what a group of dedicated seniors can accomplish in their community. Congratulations to all of the committee members!
A walk to remember
Nancy MacPhee/Journal Pioneer
Al Poirier looks down at his brick in the Walk of Honour at the Air Force Heritage Park at Slemon Park. A rededication of the walk is taking place Aug. 24.
Published on August 16, 2012- Nancy MacPhee
SLEMON PARK — Al Poirier glances down at his name, one of almost 600 forever etched in stone, part of the Walk of Honour at the Air Force Heritage Park.
When Poirier signed on to help turn what was essentially a field with three abandoned aircraft into a park honouring military service, the senior, a former military man himself, never envisioned what it would become.
“Four years ago, there were three decrepit looking airplanes and a field of weeds. Today, there are three beautiful, like-new airplanes, and a park that has won a design award from the province,” said Poirier, beaming.
To the tune of almost $700,000, the park was completed, officially opening last year.
Next week, leading into the Atlantic Canada International Air Show, another ceremony, this time rededicating the park’s Walk of Honour, will take place.
The walkway is edged with granite bricks, each purchased in memory or in honour of someone who served or currently serving in the Canadian Forces Air Element, Second World War or the Canadian Military.
It’s a fitting tribute since the land it lies on was once part of CFB Summerside.
“In the 51 years of Air Force service, there are so many people from all over North America and Europe, too, that were here,” said Poirier.
When the concept was first envisioned, Poirier, a member of the Aviation Heritage Society of P.E.I. — the group behind the park — never expected the overwhelming interest it would receive people from all over the world.
The orders were so many that not all stones will be ready for the rededication.
“We never ever thought we would get near 600 stones. We overwhelmed the Windsor Monument people in Nova Scotia,” he said, with a laugh. “They have to cut the granite, design the face of the stone and it takes people who are experienced.”
Poirier often strolls the walkway, glancing down at the names.
“I get little shivers. They are names of people that I’ve met, grew up with and even older than me and also of people from the military that I have served with that I have never seen since I left the military,” he added. “You get a little twinge and think I must try to get a hold of that guy.”
Poirier hopes to see the walkway wind its way completely through the park.
“It’s perpetual.”
He also has dreams for the park and hopes it can become sustainable.
Half of the $100 cost for each brick goes to maintain the park, not near enough to cover costs, said Poirier.
“Our hope is to find patrons,” he added. “We have expenses. Insurance for the place is expensive and we must have that or Slemon Park would close us down.”
For now, Poirier is content knowing that the service of those now immortalized in stone will be forever remembered.
“They put their name in the ground here and in 100 years, hopefully, the name will still be there.”
The rededication takes place at the entrance to the park on Friday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m.
For more information about the park and the Walk of Honour, visit www.airforceparkpei.ca.
nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
“Four years ago, there were three decrepit looking airplanes and a field of weeds. Today, there are three beautiful, like-new airplanes, and a park that has won a design award from the province,” said Poirier, beaming.
To the tune of almost $700,000, the park was completed, officially opening last year.
Next week, leading into the Atlantic Canada International Air Show, another ceremony, this time rededicating the park’s Walk of Honour, will take place.
The walkway is edged with granite bricks, each purchased in memory or in honour of someone who served or currently serving in the Canadian Forces Air Element, Second World War or the Canadian Military.
It’s a fitting tribute since the land it lies on was once part of CFB Summerside.
“In the 51 years of Air Force service, there are so many people from all over North America and Europe, too, that were here,” said Poirier.
When the concept was first envisioned, Poirier, a member of the Aviation Heritage Society of P.E.I. — the group behind the park — never expected the overwhelming interest it would receive people from all over the world.
The orders were so many that not all stones will be ready for the rededication.
“We never ever thought we would get near 600 stones. We overwhelmed the Windsor Monument people in Nova Scotia,” he said, with a laugh. “They have to cut the granite, design the face of the stone and it takes people who are experienced.”
Poirier often strolls the walkway, glancing down at the names.
“I get little shivers. They are names of people that I’ve met, grew up with and even older than me and also of people from the military that I have served with that I have never seen since I left the military,” he added. “You get a little twinge and think I must try to get a hold of that guy.”
Poirier hopes to see the walkway wind its way completely through the park.
“It’s perpetual.”
He also has dreams for the park and hopes it can become sustainable.
Half of the $100 cost for each brick goes to maintain the park, not near enough to cover costs, said Poirier.
“Our hope is to find patrons,” he added. “We have expenses. Insurance for the place is expensive and we must have that or Slemon Park would close us down.”
For now, Poirier is content knowing that the service of those now immortalized in stone will be forever remembered.
“They put their name in the ground here and in 100 years, hopefully, the name will still be there.”
The rededication takes place at the entrance to the park on Friday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m.
For more information about the park and the Walk of Honour, visit www.airforceparkpei.ca.
nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
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