Homes of Paris Heroes

In addition to raising awareness within the community about military service, Homes of Heroes aims to highlight Paris Branch 29 of the Royal Canadian Legion, which has been an integral part of the community for 80 years.

By Chris Whelan

Editor

A new initiative called Homes of Heroes is launching in Paris to honour the military service of local men and women. Spearheaded by a group of dedicated community members—Chuck Prystupa, Mark Ford, Steve Pinkett, and Neil Edwards—the project aims to share the stories of those who have served or are currently serving in the Canadian Military or its allied forces. These stories will be featured on the initiative’s website: www.homesofheroes.ca.

The project aims to acknowledge and honour the military service of Paris residents, raise awareness within the community about military service, understand the personal experiences and costs of war, especially among the youth, and support the work of Paris Branch 29 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

In the three weeks leading up to November 11, the Homes of Heroes initiative will place signs in front of homes in Paris where veterans currently live or once lived during their time in service. The project honours not only those who served in historical wars but also recognizes veterans from more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

The project is a community-driven effort, encouraging Paris residents to share their knowledge of veterans who have served in the military. The Paris Museum and Legion have been instrumental in the initial research, but personal insights and details from families and neighbors are crucial to honoring individual veterans.

Privacy concerns have been carefully considered. Before placing a sign, the project organizers will seek written permission from the current residents of the house. The project also respects the privacy of veterans or their families who may prefer not to participate.

The committee hopes for a positive response from the Paris community, aiming to foster a spirit of Canadian patriotism and gratitude towards military personnel. Additionally, the project seeks to raise awareness about Paris Branch 29 of the Royal Canadian Legion, which has been an integral part of the community for 80 years.

The committee encourages community members to spread the word about "Homes of Heroes," share personal stories or details about veterans, volunteer for the project, and appreciate the Legion's contributions to the community. Information on how to participate can be found on the Branch 29 website at www.parislegion29.ca.

This project underscores the collective effort to honour and recognize the sacrifices made by veterans, ensuring that their service and dedication are never forgotten in the town of Paris.

For more information and to contribute to the project, contact the committee by emailing them at: info@homesforheroes.ca   Also follow their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/HomesOfHeroesCanada