Lest we forget - Antigonish Legion launches photo collection initiative

ANTIGONISH, N.S. — ANTIGONISH -Lest we forget.
Those words are most often heard in the days leading up to and on Remembrance Day in November, but it is a phrase lived everyday by members of Royal Canadian Legion Arras Branch 59 in Antigonish.
"Remembrance is key to what we do," Arras Branch 59 president James Matheson said.
As part of that focus, the veterans' service organization launched a wartime photo initiative earlier this month.
"We are always working to do what we can to help keep their memories alive," Matheson said.
On this Friday morning (Jan. 10), he and other legion members gathered in the museum area of the branch's location in the East Coast Credit Union Enterprise Centre around a laptop to look at the first contributions to the project.
"We want to hear about them," Matheson said, in making the pitch to community members for submissions.
On each Wednesday, until the end of February, members will welcome visitors willing to share photos and stories of their family’s servicemen and women, "so that they too will not be forgotten," an Arras Branch 59 release outlining the initiative, said.
Matheson explained members at the reception table will collect the information, including scanning or taking a digital photo of the contributor's "treasured" photos.
The photos and information collected will become part of a video presentation on Antigonish area veterans that will be screened in the museum.
"It is about making what we work to provide more personal," Matheson said of the final product.
He added they hope to unveil the video presentation in May, when the branch celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe.
Matheson noted that doesn't mean the initiative ends; the collection process will continue.
"It may take years to complete, but we are willing to put the work in," he said.
As for the reason it might take a while, Matheson explained branch records indicated 400 to 500 legion members served, while he estimated there may be as many as 1,000 from the Antigonish area.
"We want to do as much as we can to keep their memories alive, while making sure their memories are appreciated and recognized," Matheson said.
He added veterans "helped shape our communities," while leaving an indelible mark on the "fabric of Antigonish."
If there is a demand for members to collect items on more than one day per week, Matheson said they will accommodate.
"We want to be as flexible as possible," he added, noting people can contact the branch and make an appointment as well.
This initiative is the Antigonish organization's latest effort focused on promoting remembrance and reconizing the accomplishments of those who served and continue to serve.
Arras Branch 59 events in recent years include a Vimy 100 service in 2017, along with a Passchendaele presentation and Dutch heritage evening in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
"We are always open to any ideas regarding remembrance," Matheson said.
For more information regarding the wartime photo collection initiative, call 902-867-1411, email [email protected], or drop by its location at 75 St. Ninian Street in Antigonish.