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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-07-08, Page 11Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, July 8, 2009 - Page All Rutledge celebrates local heroes with Men of Huron .rard Crecea signal -star stuff It began as a simple idea - we will re- member them. On Saturday, July 4, author Jim Rutledge unveiled his labour of the past three years - The Men of Huron: A Book of Honour and Remembrance 1939-1946. The book is a catalogue of heroes, documenting the brave men of Huron County who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their contributions to freedom in the Second World War. The book launch, held at the corner of North Street and the Square, drew heavily on the county's military history, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces in WWII dress as well as members of the Royal Canadian Le- gion, veterans, families and those curi- ous to learn of Huron's heroic past. "I'm surprised this hasn't been writ- ten before," said veteran Bill Anderson, the day's master of ceremonies. "Jim was not an author, nor a writer, but he has a passion for veterans, veterans' families and... welfare which is not not surpassed by any individual or organization in my experience. "As a veteran, I think him." There are three things needed to write a book, Anderson said; time money and passion. Rutledge had two of these, but after seeking the support of the Bayfield Historical So- ciety, he was successful in getting a $15,000 Trillium Grant from the province. Rutledge has spent countless hours pouring through information, talking to veterans and their surviving families, as well as taking trips to the National Archive in Ottawa, where he ex- panded his research considerably. However, in compiling the information for the book, he spoke to people as far away as Eu- rope to get family backgrounds and headstone photographs. Every name in the book has a head shot and a photo of the person's headstone - showing both those who served and where they are laid to rest. Where possible, Rutledge also includes anecdotal pieces. To him, this book documents the valour and selflessness of a young nation, headed into the fight of its life. "This was the only volunteer army in the world at that time," he said. "Out of a country of 10 million, one million stood up and volun- teered." In speaking to the crowd gathered on The Square, Rutledge told the story of a Huron County boy who was told he was too light to fly. "Each night he went to bed, he took a jar of peanut butter with him and a loaf of bread," he said. "He got his weight up and was able to fly" Not all the stories Rutledge tells are light-hearted, nor do they end on for- eign soil. He told of an 89 -year-old veteran who returned his medals after coming home because he felt his place was beneath Italian soil, beside his falled friends. "I want to honour these men," he aid s . And he has, to much accolades. Greg Thompson, Minister of Veter- ans Affairs, sent a letter of congratula- Photo by Gerard Creces tions to Rutledge on his accomplish - Author Jim Rutledge tells some of ments. He too, was surprised nobody the heroic stories from his book, had undertaken this task before, and The Men of Huron July 4. thanked the author for his dedication to the memory of Canada's - and Huron County's - fallen soldiers. Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell offered thanks for "the countless hours (Rutledge) gave so we could remember." This book, Anderson said, will give the Men of Huron "the grandest of sepulchres - a home in the minds of men." The book is available through Rutledge for $41.99, and copies can be hand -delivered by calling 519-524-1808. Copies of the book will also be available through Finch- er's on The Sqaure. SUMMER HOURS July 3rd until September 4th Monday -Thursday 9:OOam - S:OOpm Fridays 9:OOam - 2:00 pm j Lighthouse '� NEY.MMAGEMENT contactus@lighthousemoney.com 124 Courthouse Square • 519-524-5222 McCANN ELECTRIC MOTOR & GENERATOR The %AO . ,I4 ■ 1 CTOR Electric Motors Bales and Service to All Makes 519-482-8604 14 -5th Ave., Vanastra Located between Hydro One & Clinton Roof Truss (White buildings with blue trim) Monday - Friday 8:OOam - Noon & 1:OOpm - 5:OOpm, Saturday by appt. For after hours emergency service call 518-440-6472 The Goderich Children's Festival Organizers would like to say THANK YOU to the following Supporters, Contributors and Participants who helped us have a`YROCKIN' DAY! A&W, ABC Investments, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Camp Menesetung, Casablanca Studio, Chisholm TV & Stereo, Cooperators insurance,,,,Crabby Joe's, Cravings, EpCQR ,`Early years %, Fincher s, Goderich'BIA, Goderich Service Centre;"Goderich Community Credit Union, Goderich YMCA, IODE, Karen Redmond, Kinette Club, Kinsmen Club, Knights of'Colui bus, Littte Bowl, Lioness Club, LighthouSe-Mo4.eyManagement, Lyons & Mulhern, Machan Home Hardware, McDonald's, MicroAge Basics, New Orleans Pizza, RONA, Rotary Club, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Rebels With a Cause, Royal Bank, Sifto, South End Body, Scotia Bank, Seaforth Girls Marching Band, Shear Talent, Shirley Erb , Snippety the Clown, THE Bus, Trinity Church, Walmart, Wanda & Murray Keith, Parks & Works Dept. Workers. Thank you also to time many volunteers of the day and members of the organizing committee: Susan MacPhee, Volunteer Coordinator, Rhonda Curran, Karri Sonke, Sharon Anderson, Jennifer Sinclair, Paula McAuley, Sandra den Dunnen. 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