Fairview Veterans With Banners Along Main Avenue

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“Lest We Forget” The Fairview Historical Society
Honours Fairview Veterans With Banners Along Main Avenue

Veteran’s banners!
The banners honouring 40 Fairview Veterans, including one Wren (Women Vet) and two Merchant Marine Vets, were able to be viewed on Main Avenue from Dutch Village Rd. up past the legion on Hillcrest St., two weeks before and two weeks after Remembrance Day!

In the fall of 2024 the Fairview Historical Society decided to embark upon a project that has never been done before in the Community of Fairview. It involves 20 Banners with pictures of 40 World War 1 and World War 2 Fairview Veterans. These Banners will be double sided on 20 lamp posts starting at Titus Street and continuing up Main Avenue and will stop at the Fairview Legion. Due to the Banners being double sided, the viewer will be able to see one picture of a Veteran going up Main Avenue and another picture of a Veteran going down Main Avenue.

The Veteran Banners will be installed two weeks prior to Remembrance Day Nov. 11 and will remain until two weeks after, where they will be removed and stored for next year. As mentioned previously, these Banners will hang proudly displaying 40 Fairview Veterans, including one Wren (Women Vet) and two Merchant Marine Vets who are not in uniform as none was issued to them.

We the Fairview Historical Society takes great pride in presenting such a Historical project to the Community of Fairview and especially to the relatives of the Fairview Veterans. How proud we all will be, come this Remembrance Day!

Don Edwards
President of The Fairview Historical Society

Launching Of The Veteran Banners

As mentioned earlier forty Fairview Veterans are ‘now’ on double sided banners featured on lampposts along Main Avenue in Fairview.

Our Society wanted to honour these Veterans in an extra special way. On Nov. 2nd we hosted the families of the Veterans at the Fairview Legion. Even though the Veterans are flying high along Main Avenue, we wanted to honour each and every one of them in what we liked to call, “The Launch of the Banners”. The families did not disappoint, as they showed up in droves almost 200 in all.

They were treated to a wonderful lunch compliments of the Fairview Legion and catered by the President himself Brian Forbes. It was brought to our attention that we had a special lady in the audience, Hermine Keefe, widow of Veteran Elmer Keefe. Hermine, who is well on the upside of the 90s and still going strong. An amazing Fairview women and we thank you so much for gracing us with your presence and helping as honour your late husband Elmer.

After lunch we had some special guests take the microphone. First up to was Holly Kelly, daughter of Fairview Veteran John Bently O’Brien. Holly wrote a poem entitled, “Memories” and it was so befitting the life of her father and the hell he went through and witnessed. She did a masterful job navigating her way through the different passages in the poem and a very appreciative audience responded as such.

Shortly thereafter another guest, the great story teller himself John ‘Nonnie’ O’Brien Jr., son of Veteran John B. O’Brien took the mic. He talked about his dad’s exploits during the war. It was an amazing and funny story which was enjoyed by all.

After a bit of time lapsed, it was time for Jim ‘Chissy’ MacKenzie to take the stage and talk about his dad Veteran James MacKenzie. Chissy’s story was humorous and showed a side of his dad that he did not know existed until he, himself enlisted in the Army. The audience loved his talk and the applause showed it.

Last but not least, Bruce Hubley took to the mic. to talk about his dad Veteran Russell Hubley. Bruce had actually written a book about his dad’s exploits during the war and he shared a few passages with a much appreciative audience.

In between guest speakers, we honoured each Fairview Veteran by having a family member come to the stage where they had their picture taken holding a copy of their mom or dad’s photo of the replica banner on Main Avenue. At the same time, the announcer called out full name, rank and branch of service of each. We continued until all 40 Veterans were recognized in the above fashion. Finally at the end a wonderful applause was extended forth by a much appreciative audience.

It was an amazing afternoon of a gathering of old Fairview, friends and neighbours, some who have not seen each other for almost 40 years or more. ‘A great time was had by all!’ It was like old home week and you know the FHS has a knack for doing such things.

We were so pleased to host the families and to honour the Fairview Vets. Take a drive or walk down Main Avenue and view the honoured Veterans Banners which will remain up until two weeks after Remembrance Day.

President Don Edwards

We the Fairview Historical Society would be remiss if we did not mention the sponsors, who without their help these Banners would not have been possible.

Minister Barbara Adams – Military Relations Province of Nova Scotia
Veterans Affairs – Government of Canada
Councillor Morse – (HRM) District 10 Fairview/Clayton Park/Rockingham
Fairview Legion – Br. 142
Mickey MacDonald – The Micco Group.

Honourable Mentions

Special mention to our Archivist Devonna Edwards, who was responsible for all the Wartime posters that were on display for all to see. The 40 replica photos which were given to a family member at the end of the proceedings were the work of Devonna. She’s not one to stand up and take credit, so we the Society say a heartfelt ‘Thanks to Devonna, Wonderful job as usual’.

Also special ‘Thanks to Dan Campbell’ our Member at Large and our Society Photographer, who we press into service when occasions like this arise. Dan was busy all afternoon making sure he got all the photo shots, that will eventually work their way on to our website in the near future. Dan you were faster and better than Hollywood Paparazzi!

Krista Tobin – Brand Designer with Micco Group did an excellent job on the Veterans Banners.

Barb (Sam) Boudreau – Hall Chairperson and Member at Large with the Fairview Legion was the driving force helping us to achieve our special day.

Also to the board committee members, and members at large, for all of their hard work in making this event a memorable one.

Special Request For Future Use.

If any members or viewers of our Fairview Historical Society have knowledge of Fairview Veterans that are not presently in use on our Banners. Please contact us at archives@fairviewhistoricalsociety.ca
Thank You

Photos of the Veterans Family Day will follow shortly.