The Canadian Military Heritage Museum is holding its annual open house on Aug. 4.
Article content
“This is something that we really look forward to,” Bob Ion, chair of the museum’s board of directors, said. “People get a chance to learn about local military history, the men and women who served and sacrificed, in conflicts around the world.
“We have a rich military history and we really enjoy sharing what we have with visitors.”
The museum is at 347 Greenwich St. and the open house runs from 1 pm to 4 pm
The event will include a display of military vehicles, soldiers from the 56th Field Regiment, Second World War re-enactors as well as weapons demonstrations on the museum grounds. There will also be a food truck on the site.
Exhibits inside the museum include a tribute to Lloyd Bentley, a Second World War pilot-navigator, who died in Brantford in February 2020 at the age of 98.
Article content
The display includes Bentley’s log book that has entries from June 5 and 6, 1944 when he dropped paratroopers behind enemy lines during the D-Day invasion of Europe. It also includes the medals presented to Bentley, his uniform and photographs.
“This is a significant year for military history,” Ion said. “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the 75th anniversary of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“All three anniversaries are important milestones.”
Ion said the museum has been attracting a lot of visitors in recent months, particularly on weekends.
The increase is likely connected to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum signs on Highway 403.
“We’re getting a lot more people from the GTA and what’s really interesting to me is that a lot of our visitors are people who have just recently come to Canada,” Ion said. “They don’t know anything about our military history and are eager to learn.
“All of us really enjoy speaking with them and showing them our displays because they’re so interested.”
The museum is operated by a corps of volunteers who maintain the building and the exhibits.
Admission to the open house is free but donations are accepted.
twitter.com/EXPVBall
Share this article in your social network