The City of Summerside is having discussions with the Lest We Forget Committee about a proposed veterans' museum. This is not a new topic. In fact, it has been going on for years. To date, all that has been done is talk.
The old armouries in Summerside is being renovated with the assistance of government funding. Part of this building is being discussed as a new location for this veterans' museum. From what I see, this small piece being discussed would be totally inadequate to house a museum representing past /present veterans. This space would have to be much larger for displays identifying all military such as army, navy and air force, not to mention the wartime nurses, paramedics, health-care workers and many more.
This new veterans' museum should be designed to be a great tourist attraction, visited by the public on a daily basis. All veterans' families deserve the best location possible. This can only be done with the co-operation of our elected officials, the public and certainly the veterans living today.
Time is of the essence; this project should move quickly. The days of talking should be over. My father, Austin Griffin, was a veteran of the Second World War. I have had many conversations, seen many photographs with him, as well as heard many of the horrific stories that occurred during war time.
David Griffin,
Summerside
