A search is on for more information about a soldier killed during World War II and thought to be from the area west of Red Deer.
“A Face For Every Name” is a significant undertaking to gather information about all 1,355 Canadians who rest at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands.
Gerry VanHolt, chairman of the Welcome Again Veterans committee is in the process of collecting pictures and biographical information which are placed at the headstone of the appropriate grave giving visitors the opportunity to put a face and some information to the name and the man.
He’s enlisted Mike Muntain of Kingston, Ontario, who with Peter Gower of Kingston’s regiment, The Princess of Wales Own Regiment, is reaching out across Canada.
They were able to collect pictures and biographical information on the war dead from Kingston and are now expanding their search so the Dutch can add to the information in their database and grave site life stories.
They are specifically seeking information about Pte. John N. Reed (service number M58588) who served with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada and was killed in action Apr. 23, 1945 at the age of 24 years, almost two weeks to the day of the end of the war.
Muntain, in an email, said his information indicates Reed was a farmer from the Rocky Mountain House area, or the vicinity between here and there.
“The Dutch people are tireless in their efforts to honour our war dead, and take on this responsibility as a duty not a hobby,” he wrote. “I am seeking your assistance in hopes that, as with other Canadian communities, there are still relatives, friends and men who served with those who did not come home, who may be able to provide a picture and information to the Dutch.”
For an idea of their dedication, please watch the two minute video www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQr9Z8Dnxyo.
“If the adage “A man lives as long as he is remembered” is true, the people of Holten the Netherlands make sure that for “their Canadians” their name liveth forever more,” wrote Muntain.