Editorial Comment


03 November 2007
Dieppe, NB


It's time for another rambling from the pen, albeit electronic, of yours truly. Time seems to have just rushed by, and already it's been over a month since I last dropped you all a line.


The site is still progressing and continuing to evolve, with thanks to all of you who have written or submitted material. I have received, via snail mail, a number of photographs of Port Albert, which I have today placed onto the site for you to see. Some of the photos are showing their age, but rather than not post them at all, I decided to let you see them as they are.


As we approach November 11th, Remembrance Day, I would like all of us for whom Port Albert has some special meaning, to stop and remember the sons who gave their lives during the First World War for our freedom. In order of their passing, we remember Private Thomas Mercer (killed in action 11 Apr 1916); Private Luke Mugford (killed in action 12 Oct 1916); Private George Blandford (killed in action 16 Aug 1917) and Private Jasper Mercer (killed in action 17 Aug 1918).


Unlike today, their bodies were never returned to their loved ones for burial. In some cases, their bodies were never found at all. They lie in graves half a world away. For some, there is no grave - just an inscription on a memorial, overlooking the fields and forests that were for them a battleground. Let us never forget the sacrifice that they made so many years ago.


Port Albert doesn't have a war memorial, or a special place where folks can spend a few minutes paying tribute to these men, and I was thinking that it would be nice to have some sort of a plaque, or something of that nature, to their memory. Perhaps it could be permanently placed in the church, where their memories could be kept alive, and visitors would know that Port Albert paid a very heavy price during those terrible years. If any of you have any thoughts or suggestions towards that end, please feel free to contact me at your convenience. I have an idea or two, but I would like to hear what you think.


In closing, I just want to give you an inkling of what is planned for The Port Albert Project over the coming weeks. Some years ago, Mr. William Elliott gave an oral history of the community, and I would like to reflect some of what he told in the form of a general genealogy of the early inhabitants. I am cross referencing what he said with available census records and hope to give you a bird's eye view as to who some of our forefathers (and mothers) were. Keep your eyes peeled for this new section, and if you have material that you want to contribute, please let me know.


So as tropical storm Noel rages outside on this dark, rainy and windy night, I will bid you all a wonderful evening, and look forward to hearing from you in the coming days. Thank you so much for making The Port Albert Project an overwhelming success. It truly could not have been done without you.


Terry Alexander


P.S. - If Wayne Gillingham happens to read this, please note that I tried writing you at the email address you provided, but the emails keep bouncing back, marked as undeliverable. If you'd like to send me another email, I will try and write you again. Thank you.

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