MEDIA RELEASE: Rockford Road of Heroes dedication Saturday September 24, 2016 at Lemery Farm. The Norfolk Remembers WW1 and WW11 Committee have received permission from Norfolk County Council to commemorate a 3.2 km stretch of Concession 11, Townsend, Ontario as the “Rockford Road of Heroes”.
“The Rockford Road of Heroes” will serve to remember the 27 men who enlisted from this small hamlet and the 11 who died from their war injuries, during WW1 and WW2.”
According to Grant Smith, editor of the Norfolk Remembers the Great War publications, “you could write a History of Canada at War from the exploits of the Rockford men. Many of the soldiers enlisted in the 133rd Norfolk Battalion in 1916. From there, they were transferred to Battalions in the Royal Montreal Regiment, the Central Ontario Regiment, and the 123rd Pioneer Battalion. Others were members of the famed Black Watch, and the Royal Canadian Dragoons, – and in WWII – The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and the Governor General’s Horse Guard. Amongst them were men who fought and died in Canada’s greatest battles: Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens, Canal du Nord, The Battle of the Atlantic, and the Liberation of Holland.”
The Norfolk Remembers Committee will commemorate the Rockford Heroes in the following way:
- Publish a brochure containing a brief description of the 27 men along with a map showing where they lived. ( copy is attached as a PDF)
- Place a 30 foot flag pole and Canadian Flag on the Neil and Gale Lemery farm at 1462 Concession 11, Townsend, Ontario. The Waterford and Simcoe Legions will assume responsibility for the care and maintenance of the memorial site. This site has special meaning. The farm was once home to the two Herron brothers, Alan and Ray.
- Attach a metal poppy tag to the 911 address pole on the properties where the 27 men lived.
- Install a Rockford Road of Heroes sign beneath the Rockford Village signs describing the historical significance of the stretch of road.
- Host a military ceremony of dedication and remembrance on Saturday September 24, 2 p.m. at the newly installed Canadian flag, on the Neil and Gale Lemery farm, 1462 Concession 11, Townsend, ON. The Waterford Legion has assumed the leadership role for this ceremony. The public is welcome to attend.
In this simple act of dedication, we have the opportunity to remember each and every one of them, and in so doing remember every Norfolk woman and man who served and died while serving our Country.
END
Heather King, CEO
Norfolk County Public Library
46 Colborne Street South,
Simcoe, ON N3Y 4H3
519-426-3506 ext 1253
heather.king@norfolkcounty.ca
Join us for this special flag raising and dedication service on Saturday, September 24th – 2:00pm in memory of the 27 men from Rockford who dared to serve and the 11 who died in the First and Second World Wars.
Service will be at the Lemery Farm – #1462 Concession 11, Townsend (Hamlet of Rockford). Dedication ceremony under the direction of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 123, Waterford and the Norfolk Remembers Committee.
Everyone Welcome!