Article content Wayne Talbot, a Truro councillor and descendant of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, addresses the crowd at the memorial unveiling. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle content“For decades, the people of this community have remembered these men, even when the rest of the country did not. We carried their names in our hearts. We spoke of them at the kitchen tables, in family reunions, and we never stopped believing their contributions mattered,” he said.Article content“Today, we see that belief reflected back at us. This facility located near The Island, where many of these men were raised and grew up, now proudly bears their names. That is significant.”Article contentTruro Mayor Cathy Hinton said the monument provides a physical place of reflection and helps to ensure history is preserved and shared.Article content The Malaria Warriors, a drumming troupe, performed at the unveiling ceremony. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle content“To the descendants of the battalion, to the African Nova Scotian community, and to all who have waited for the recognition, thank you for your strength, your patience, and your unwavering commitment to justice,” said Hinton to the crowd. “This is your day. This is your victory.”Article contentArticle content“Those men understood something we all need to remember; community isn’t just the people who look like you or think like you or welcome you with open arms, community is everyone you’re called to serve alongside,” said Cumberland-Colchester MP Alana Hirtle during her time at the podium. “Even when it’s inconvenient. Or, sometimes, infuriating.Article content“They took their shovels and built a foundation. Not just for the war effort. But for every Black Canadian who came after,” Hirtle added as part of her speech.Article contentATHLETIC FACILITYArticle contentThe facility, formerly known as the TAAC Grounds, was renamed by students who participated in a public contest hosted by the town.Article contentOf the 45 submissions received, the winners were two classes from Truro Middle School, and the Afrocentric Aspiring Leaders Youth Group at Cobequid Educational Centre (CEC).Article content“When the youth get involved, in this case they were, that means everything to us because … the youth are our future,” said Hinton.Article contentArticle content The new athletic facility on 57 Golf Street has a synthetic eight lane running track with regulation throwing areas and an all-weather turf field. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle contentThe new athletic grounds at the property are part of the TAAC revitalization project that began a decade ago. The facility, which is now open, includes a synthetic eight lane running track with regulation throwing areas and an all-weather turf field.Article content“To see the smiles on the faces of the players, and the parents, and the teams, it’s great,” said Hinton. “It’s a world-class facility, and we are so proud of it.”Article contentThe monument honouring the No. 2 Construction Battalion in Truro is one of many across the province. Others are located in Pictou, Amherst, and Yarmouth.Article content“From training grounds to community grounds, this space represents opportunity and pride,” continued Grosse.Article content“A place where youth will learn, play, and dream big. A place where families and neighbours will gather. A place for sport, yes, but also a place for belonging and inspiration.”Article content
Truro unveils monument honouring No. 2 Construction Battalion
