Innisfail has a rich history of military service and sacrifice.
Each year the names of 86 fallen soldiers are read aloud during the Innisfail legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony.
One of these soldiers is Frank Joseph Malcolm, born in Innisfail and the son of Henry A. and Elsie Grace Durham Malcolm and brother of W. Chester, Charles, Edna, Eley, Harry, Laurie, Donald, John, George, Wilford, Roy and Albert.
He was married and farming when he enlisted for service in the First World War. He died at age 24 and left behind his wife Florence.
Another is Richard Bursleigh Black, who was also born in Innisfail. He completed his education in 1935 and was farming when he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. The son of Anson Osler and Mary Elizabeth Black; brother of Flying Officer Stewart Blair Black (awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross), James Alexander, Margaret, Helen Elizabeth, Wilma Gertrude and Francis (died in childhood). He was 23 years old when he died in combat.
Metal art memorial plaques in their honour are now proudly displayed at Innisfail Branch #104 of the Royal Canadian Legion. Commissioned for them and five of their comrades by the Canadian Fallen Heroes Foundation, these memorials help put a face to the fallen and provide an insight into the pre-enlistment lives of our soldiers.
Since 2002, the foundation has partnered with private and public organizations to preserve this history. Photographs are required for the majority of the remaining 79 names on the Innisfail Honour Roll. Pictures or biographical information can be dropped off at the Innisfail legion.
Granted a charter in 1919 by the Great War Veterans Association of Canada, Branch #104 has been a vital part of the community ever since, providing support to veterans and the families of those who fell in service.
The Ladies Auxiliary has existed since 1931, and continues to provide volunteers in support of legion functions, particularly through the provision of catering and funeral teas. Selfless acts are rare, and we are grateful for the opportunity to document these lives lost in the service of others, and to share and preserve their individual stories for future generations.
We can never repay them or hope to fill the void left in the lives of the parents and families left mourning what might have been. We can, however, honour our commitment to remember them, every one of them.
Please feel free to contact the Royal Canadian Legion Innisfail Branch #104 or the Canadian Fallen Hereos Foundation at 403-453-1881 for sponsorship information.
Don Harrison is manager of the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #104.
