Stories from our Cenotaph is a Remembrance Day initiative started by local historian Blake Seward, and Lighthouse Cafe Manager Susie Noel.
Seward’s researched each local name on the Smiths Falls Cenotaph and created cards featuring a photo, the battles they fought, and the age they died in World War One.
They are now given to customers at the cafe, an opportunity Noel jumped at when Seward approached her about the idea.
Seward engages in the Upper Canada District School Boards Real World Learning Program, and is a co-founder of Big Ideas Group Consulting with fellow SFDCI teacher Mason Black.
Customers have responded in various ways when receiving the card, Noel said, including sharing their own connections to a local veteran.
Noel says this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about how significant of an impact Smiths Falls made throughout the first World War, and the local families who carry on the stories of their loved ones heroics.
Seward’s efforts last year helped return a watch to the Smiths Falls family of Edwin “Ted” Coldrey, who was shot down before crashing into a small France village during a preparation run ahead of the D-Day attacks.
Hear the full interview with Noel below.
Story by Grant Deme