Their faces are most often young. They are wearing uniforms of Canada's armed forces. And all too often, the photographs are hidden in homes, family albums or stashed in trunks in dark attics.
But a Port Moody man wants to make sure the stories of vets from the city see the light of day so everyone can appreciate and remember their contributions.
To that end, Black who has a history of seeking recognition for veterans, is reaching out to other PoMo residents for a memorial project he plans to complete this year.
Black's aim is to collect information that will form a historical record so current and future generations understand the contributions of local veterans and learn a little bit about their lives.
"The message for me, which has not changed, is the message of peace and remembrance," he told The Tri-City News. "I am not promoting war but I am trying to record part of the city's history."
The veterans could be from recent conflicts as well as the Korean or First or Second World wars, they may be living or deceased, and have lived in Port Moody.
"I would like people to contact me by email and I will meet with them and conduct a brief interview to gather some basic information about the veteran, and borrow the photo, which I will copy and return."
Black has also helped families have B.C. geographical features named for a family member lost in wars. The 10-year project has seen five Port Moody veterans remembered in this way, and Black hopes to find a few more local veterans for the BC Geographical place-naming memorial.
"The naming program is a lasting memorial to that person. Anyone can contact me by email and I will do all the work and pay all costs," Black said.
For more information or to arrange the exchange of a photo, and an interview, email Black at [email protected]
