On Tuesday, October 13, East Hawkesbury Council unanimously approved a proposal to rename a local baseball field in honour of those who died in wartime service. David Krawczyk, manager of the newly formed East Hawkesbury Herons baseball team, presented the proposal to council.
Krawczyk asked that the field in Chute-à-Blondeau be renamed the East Hawkesbury Commemorative Field, saying his research identified 26 men connected to East Hawkesbury who lost their lives as a result of war-related service. He said some died on battlefields in France more than a century ago, yet their names are not recognized on a memorial within the township.
The project would include a six-by-four-foot commemorative sign recognizing the fallen service members and their hometowns, as well as a Canadian flag near the field’s home-plate area. The sign would also honour 12 men who died while training at No. 13 Elementary Flying Training School in St-Eugène during the Second World War.
Councillor Karina Sauvé supported the initiative, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who died in military service.
“I strongly support it,” Sauvé said, adding that even having 10 places in the township dedicated to remembering fallen veterans and soldiers would be worthwhile.
According to Krawczyk, the project will cost East Hawkesbury taxpayers nothing. He said the Hawkesbury Royal Canadian Legion has committed $2,000 toward the project, which he expects to complete within that budget. Significo in Alexandria would produce the commemorative sign locally.
Krawczyk offered to volunteer his time to coordinate the project and oversee the installation. He hopes to unveil the sign in May 2027 during the East Hawkesbury Herons’ home opener.
