Plaque to honour UN, NATO soldiers

A new plaque will be mounted on the Remembrance Park Cenotaph to commemorate the service of local residents, who died serving their country under United Nations or NATO auspices. The request came from Branch 120 (Georgetown) of the Royal Canadian Legion. The first name inscribed on the plaque will be Pte. Christopher A. Dodge of the 73rd Canadian Signal Squadron. While serving with the United Nations force in Egypt, he was killed on July 2, 1979. "The role of the Canadian troops has changed in the

last few years and they're getting into more theatres (of action), such as Afghanistan," said Mayor Rick Bonnette. "I think it's the least we could do to honour our fallen soldiers." Ward 3 Councillor Moya Johnson, who seconded the mayor's recommendation, said, "I wholeheartedly believe we should be putting another plaque on the Cenotaph, especially for the one soldier who has given his life and his name isn't there. I hope his name is the only one that ever goes on this plaque but we know there are presently members of this community who are over in Afghanistan putting their lives at risk." The plaque will be unveiled during a legion ceremony marking the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April. The Town will also make an enquiry to the Branch 197 (Acton) about a similar plaque for its Cenotaph.