Pennfield Ridge memorial project under way

Pennfield Ridge memorial project under way
By Barb Rayner/ Transcribed by G. Christian Larsen

    PENNFIELD - Plans are underway by the Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society to erect a memorial stone listing the names of those killed at the former air station in Pennfield Ridge.

    Christian Larsen has conducted extensive research on the former air station since January 2007 and from this research a roll of honour has been established which identifies 70 service personnel and six civilians who were killed during its history.

    With the roll honour now complete, he said, the society has decided to continue forward the work of the Charlotte County War Memorial Committee established in 2005.

    Their remaining goal was erecting a stone listing those killed along with a three-tier flag pole at the memorial site located alongside Route 1. The flags which will be flown are the Canadian and New Brunswick flags along with the RCAF Roundel.

    "The 69 airmen were among the numerous young aircrew students killed in training crashes across Canada during World War II. They all died in the service of their country while preparing for war and yet they remain forgotten heroes. They remain so, simply because they died before their finest hour. We need to remember these forgotten heroes.

So many unfilled dreams of a brighter tomorrow ended before they really had a chance to begin. Sometimes the youthful exuberance of the innocent and an uncertainty of a tomorrow often exacted a high toll on those who answered the call of duty.

    We need to remember all those who served and/or worked at the Pennfield Ridge Air Station," said Larsen.

    The 70 service personnel killed included a British seaman who was a passenger on one of the planes which went down and it was never determined why he was there.

    Larsen said the society feels this is an important goal and have been working with Smet Monuments to design a memorial stone.

    The purposed monument will be dark black granite (polished on two sides with rough edges) sitting on a gray base. The overall size of the monument is scaled at 48 inches by 8 inches by 72 inches and it will sit on a ten inch high base.

    A committee of two, Larsen and Sheri Burhoe, have been formed to raise the $12,000 needed to cover the cost of the memorial stone and flag pole. Larsen said Smet Momuments will include all laser lettering and images, the concrete foundation work and the installation.

    Donations can be made payable to Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society Ltd. and mailed to 309 Mealey Road, Pennfield, NB, E5H 1T5. Income tax receipts will be issued for donations over $10.

SOURCE: The Saint Croix Courier (St. Stephen, NB) - December 1, 2009.

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