Today I was notified that the City of Hamilton is considering a “Walk of Fame”. I was made aware of it as a couple of people think I ( Chris Ecklund) should be named in it. While the basis of this is commendable, when I read the reasoning and thoughts behind it this is were I started to get concerned that we were heading down the path once again not remembering if it was not for our heroes that gave their lives for our Country we would not even be considering such a proposal.
Just to be clear for all, I have a well known policy of not accepting any awards for my work in the community and Country, but in this case the City of Hamilton can thank me by carrying out a wish that has been on the table tabled by myself and this foundation to name a park in memory of Sgt. Shawn Eades, born in Hamilton, KIA August 20, 2008 in Afghanistan.
This process has been approved by Councilor Terry Whitehead of Ward 8 were the park is located., it has the blessing of Silver Cross Mother Bev McCraw, the mother of Sgt. Eades, the Canadian Heroes Foundation, and I am sure all Hamiltonian’s and Canadians.
The park is currently not named and is in derelict condition.
Once approved the Canadian Heroes Foundation will clean the park up, install flowers, picnic tables and benches, and make it more appealing to visitors.
I am looking forward to Hamilton City Council supporting this park 100%, passing the motion when tabled and sending it to the naming sub-committee for their 100% approval as well.
After this is completed then we can start looking at naming things after other prominent citizens and a walk of fame, because as you all know, if it was not for them, we would not be having this discussion at all.
Tomorrow is Sept 4th, the anniversary date of us losing Private Mark Anthony Graham, KIA, Sept 4, 2006, Afghanistan. Please join us in the park named after him at the intersection of Mohawk Road and Scenic Drive in Hamilton for a short memorial service that we perform each year. Look for his memorial by the tree in the main parking lot. We will be there at 6pm, but you can go by at any time in the day and pay your respects.
The Canadian Heroes Foundation was very involved in this park when it was just an idea to when it was unveiled, and it was appreciated by all those that attended its unveiling. Please look below for some videos of that event.
