The Way It Was: For The Cause And Our Nation

Those Who Fell Belong To The Ages

By Andrea Grimes

The Masonic War Memorial in Malden Park is solid black and lies flat on the ground with trees casting shadows on the names of the fallen (symbolic of the darkness of war). Photo by Andrea Grimes.

Having the privilege to serve defending our Canadian values of democracy, held sway for many of our patriotic lads who gave up a piece of individuality to become a part of something larger than themselves.

Jessop, Pike, and Smith; Parliament, Daniels and Brocklebank; Sanders, Miller and Fleming; Shepley, Thornton and Hayhurst; are some of the 26 area Freemasons whose names are inscribed on the Masonic War Memorial located in Windsor’s Malden Park, 4200 Malden Road.

The granite monument and memorial walkway was designed by Windsor Freemason historian Deacon Gene Lotz and cut by Excelsior Monuments (ExcelsiorMonuments.com). Lotz has made it his life ambition to honour the memory of many who never gave “doing the right thing” a second thought.

“In commemorating the millennium, the

Windsor and Erie Districts of the Masonic

Fraternity in Essex County united in the building of the Masonic War Memorial at a cost of $85,000,” Lotz explains. “This tribute serves to remember local Freemason Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice defending Canada.”

The Masonic War Memorial was unveiled November 4, 2000. According to an article published in The Windsor Star on November 6, 2000: “The ceremony was attended by about 350 Freemasons, one of which was 82 year old Freemason Maurice Snook.”

The late Snook served with the Essex Scottish, was captured during Operation Jubilee (August 19, 1942) and held as a prisoner of war.

For the last two decades, Lotz has been “leaning into it” for his latest book entitled “The Anguish of War.”

It shines a light on the lives of many who “filled the ranks” — many that lived in our neighbourhoods and attended our local schools; that held public office, were employed in offices, shops, and factories; and worked the family farms throughout Essex County. Each page captures the stains and strains of war fought in battle, in hospitals and at home.

“My book is meant to put a face to the lives of area Veterans who were killed in action or who died as a result of injuries sustained in battle,” says Lotz. “I am doing this because I feel that I am bringing these young guys back home.”

In as much as many who went “over there” and experienced the anguish of war, families on the home front were also hard pressed to find the strength to cope with the bitter realities of war.

One poignant mention in Lotz’s book captures the strength of the human spirit.

Bernadette Rivait was a Windsor mother whose five sons enlisted with the Essex Scottish. Two fell at Dieppe on August 19, 1942 and one fell in Holland on November 23, 1944. Two remaining sons also served in WWII.

Veterans Affairs Canada presented Rivait with three Memorial Crosses honouring her three sons for their sacrifice. On November 11, 1964, Rivait presented a wreath at Ottawa’s National War Memorial, where she not only bore the anguish of losing her lads, but also all who never came home.

In moving through each generation, Remembrance instills a valued legacy, honouring service, courage and loyalty.

In becoming acquainted with so many of our Veterans who “rallied to the colours” and in memory of their strength of valour and depth of sacrifice, all have earned the glory of their distinguished places belong to the ages. They will not be faded! As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Governor General’s Medal, for her volunteer service to Veterans and a number of non-profit organizations supporting Windsor’s military families’ network.