By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
ANAF Unit 318 (The Hut), in Lennoxville, will be hosting the launch of a booklet volume of military veteran biographies Oct. 19. Heather Keith, member of the Genealogical Society of Sherbrooke that had the booklet commissioned, and translator, will emcee the event.
“The Genealogical Society here in Sherbrooke,” Keith explained, “published a bunch of volumes called ‘Hommages à Nos Militaires’.” The three volumes include genealogical and biographical information on local soldiers and were initially available only in French.
When Keith joined the Society, they wanted to translate all their material into English, but she suggested they start with these volumes first, since they were on the soldiers they knew were English and from Sherbrooke. They decided to put out self-published booklets that include 15-20 biographies each, with coloured pictures, and distribute them amongst the local small museums and historic sites. The booklets will cost $15 each. Keith did the translations herself.
The launch of the first volume will take place at The Hut Oct. 19, at 7p.m. Many have been invited, including local 103-year-old veteran Ralph Benson and numerous Lennoxville military members. They expect 150 to attend.
Keith enjoyed learning about the military while translating and is proud to emcee this event. We are nearing Remembrance Day, she said, and people should know more about their military and its history.
