Renfrew’s Kurt Johnson has been recognized by the Canadian government for his commitment to telling the stories of Canada’s war dead.
A retired Ottawa Citizen editor, Johnson has been working on several projects that bring to life the names on cenotaphs and gravestones.
He was in Ottawa to receive his commendation. A framed certificate and lapel pin were presented by Minister of Veterans Affairs Ginette Petitpas Taylor.
Among the projects in which Johnson is involved is the Faces to Graves initiative, an effort to write the life stories of the soldiers of the allied forces buried at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands.
His involvement is through a Kanata high school, where he acts as editor for stories written by Grade 10 classes.
The initiative is a great way for students to learn history and research techniques in a very personal way, he said.
It also involves an appreciation for the sacrifices of the soldiers and their families.
Another major effort of Johnson’s is telling the stories of the soldiers found on local cenotaphs and church honour rolls.
Along with Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church in Renfrew, he has carried out his work at churches in Arnprior, Lochwinnoch, Burnstown, White Lake, and Calabogie.
Johnson said he’s honoured to have received recognition for his ongoing work and he’ll continue for as long as there are stories to tell.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
