The pathways that wind the gardens and playgrounds at Centennial Park will now offer visitors and neighbours alike the chance to see the proud military history of Coniston.
Championed by hometown hero Jason Marcon of the Coniston Historical Society, there are now 15 banners that hang from the light posts, each one honouring someone from Coniston who served, or is currently serving in the military.
Marcon, who is a local historian, launched the banners in the park on July 11 and told Sudbury.com this is a special project for him. His uncles, Robert, Daniel and
Thomas Forestell, as well as their mother, Helena Forestell, all served proudly. Both Daniel and Helena are honoured with a banner.
While there are many banners showing the faces of those who fought in World War One and World War Two, there are others who grew up in Coniston only a short time ago and still serve in the military.
Lisa Armstrong was in attendance at the ceremony to see the banner for her brother, Warrant Officer Darryl Benedetti, who served in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan and now lives in New Brunswick. The ceremony took visitors on a walking tour of the banners and as they were each unveiled, a short history of their honouree’s life and service was given by Marcon.
Armstrong was proud to see her brother’s face on the banner in the park. “It’s really neat,” she said. Her parents were also in attendance, pleased to see their son being honoured.
Another family in attendance was Antonio and Suzette Fabris. Their son, Warrant Officer Franco Fabris has a banner that hangs alongside Benedetti’s. At the event, Suzette Fabris detailed the places her son had served, including Latvia and Afghanistan, then laughed when she said, “And he met his wife in Moose Jaw!” Both proud Fabris parents are excited to head to Edmonton in August, where their son Franco and his two boys, ten and seven, now live.
Marcon said this project is thanks to the hard work of many, including his sister Shannon Marcon. The banner project was funded through three major private donors, Branch 76 of the Royal Canadian Legion and the City of Sudbury’s Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) Fund.
Not only can you view the unveiling of the banners on the Coniston Historical Society’s Facebook Page, found here, you’ll soon be able to read the stories of each one of the honourees when the society releases a pamphlet—though Marcon says that will be a little while in the making.
