Lest We Forget - A Tribute to No. 2 Construction Battalion
Channel: Grey County Black Heritage Society
Date: 2022-06-26

On 9th July 2022, the Government of Canada will deliver a National Apology in Truro, N.S. Today's event is part of a series of events in advance of this momentous occasion, to recognize and honour the No. 2 Construction Battalion, and those brave individuals who volunteered to fight on behalf of Canada in the First World War.

The No. 2 Construction Battalion was made up of Black volunteers from across Canada, the USA, and some Caribbean Islands. It became a segregated unit, which was officially launched in 1916 and set sail for Europe from Halifax, N.S. in March 2017. Their primary function was to build roads, railways, and other buildings as was required to support the war effort in Europe. The battalion was disbanded on 20th September 1920.

Special guests include The Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, filmmaker Anthony Sherwood, military historian David Alexander, and singer David Sereda, with MC Blaine Courtney. Today's memorial event is the organization's first major undertaking and promises to be a springboard to many more such events in future. The organization is also committed to work cooperatively with Grey County partners and to participate whenever possible in local ethnically diverse cultural events. Get to know us from our website for word of future projects and events. We thank those in attendance today, near or far, to this memorable afternoon of fellowship.