CANSO — A new bench honouring the late Captain John Allan Baker will be unveiled Sunday, Aug. 10 as part of the 49th Provincial Seamen’s Memorial Service – a solemn, community-wide tribute to the fishers of Nova Scotia who lost their lives to the sea.
“They’re a very big family in our community,” said Ray White, a long-time member of the Canso Lions Club and co-chair of the memorial committee, noting that the bench will be unveiled as a part of the ceremony.
For nearly half a century, the Canso Lions Club has stood at the helm of one of Nova Scotia’s most meaningful annual memorials. Held at the waterfront memorial site, this year’s ceremony is expected to draw dozens of wreath-bearers, dignitaries and local families. The service, organized by the Lions, also features an honour guard from the 5th Canso Scouts and the reading of names engraved on the stone monument.
“The scouting group’s inception was in 1970 and, since the memorial service began, we have [participated] each and every year,” said Harold Roberts, president of the Canso and Area Development Association and who has been with the scouts for 40 years. “We lay a commemorative plaque, and we also do the flag break during the raising of the Canadian flag. So, we take part to remember those who lost their lives at sea, and their contribution to the community.”
He added that taking part in the ceremony is a great way to show young scouts the importance of being involved in the community.
“I think it’s important because a part of scouting is teamwork and trying to develop leadership skills. For scouts [who are] between the ages of eight to 14, it’s an important time of their life to understand why it’s important to contribute to these services in the community. It’s a way for them to give back.”
According to White, the memorial is “a very personal service ... The names on the memorial have a very personal connection to the people in the community. It’s a way of recognizing the historic link between the fishery and Guysborough County.”
This year’s service begins at 2 p.m. and will include the reading of names engraved on the memorial, as well as the placing of approximately 30 to 40 wreaths in honour of fallen fishers. A reception hosted by the Lions Club will follow the ceremony, which will move to the Canso United Baptist Church in case of rain.
“Early indication has been encouraging given the number of wreaths that have been ordered,” White said. “Plus, we’ve been getting early donations for the upkeep and maintenance.”
Built in 1976 by the Canso Lions Club to commemorate the town’s 75th anniversary, the Seamen’s Memorial stands on a compass-shaped base and is framed by an arched rib structure resembling traditional fishing vessel frames. Since 1989, the second Sunday in August has been officially recognized by the province as Seamen’s Memorial Day.
“And we host the service not only for Canso but for all of Nova Scotia. So if anyone wants to come lay a wreath or put flowers in the water, they can do that,” White explained.
The annual service regularly draws dignitaries from all levels of government, along with delegations from across Nova Scotia’s coastal communities. Local turnout, White said, remains consistently strong.
“We usually get quite a large representation from the town,” he noted, “and we expect federal, provincial and municipal representatives again this year.”
A second event, the laying of the wreaths to sea, will take place Sunday, August 17 at 1 p.m. Local boats will gather at Whitman’s Wharf to carry the wreaths into the harbour for a final blessing – a symbolic act rooted in Canso’s maritime identity.
“When I was mayor of Canso, we approached the province to declare the second Sunday in August as Seamen’s Memorial Day,” said White. “That’s where our livelihood comes from … the sea. So, placing wreaths on the water is a final tribute to those who sacrificed so our community and our families could have a living.”
