HALIFAX,
NS, Oct. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - The Government of
Canada is committed to sharing the
stories of the people, places, and events who have contributed to
our country's rich and diverse heritage.
Today, Darren Fisher, Member of
Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour paid tribute to Mr.
Floyd H. Prosser through Parks
Canada's Hometown Heroes program on behalf of the Honourable
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and
Minister responsible for Parks Canada. The ceremony was held in
Halifax, Nova Scotia at the
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in the presence of
dignitaries and family members.
Mr. Floyd H. Prosser
Born in 1920 in Elgin, New
Brunswick, Floyd H. Prosser
enlisted in the Canadian Army Active Service Force in 1941 in
Moncton, New Brunswick.
Transferred overseas, Prosser trained for 2 years with the tanks in
England and Scotland before being sent to Italy in 1943. Prosser was present at many of
the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade's famous battles and
in addition to the tough enemy soldiers they were fighting, he and
the other Canadian troops endured the extreme weather condition of
hot summers and frigid winters. After leaving Italy, Prosser landed in France in March of 1945 when the
1st Canadian Armoured Brigade was sent to support the
liberation of Europe. During his
time away, he saw Winston Churchill,
and King George VI in person as he
stood on guard for inspection. In addition, he, along with other
Canadian troops was blessed by the Pope when they arrived in
Rome.
He returned home to civilian life in 1946 after serving nearly 5
years away from home, working as an industrial electrician for
Westinghouse Canada until his retirement in 1975. After retirement,
he became actively involved with the Royal Canadian Legion and
visited fellow veterans who were in the hospital.
To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024, Parks Canada is
honoured to add Floyd H. Prosser to
the Hometown Heroes program. This individual joins a growing
list of Canadians who have been recognized for their contributions
as strong community leaders who are in alignment with the Parks
Canada mandate and its priorities, and for their efforts to help
protect and promote natural and cultural heritage in Canada as part of the Hometown Heroes
program. His story will be added to the Fortress Halifax: A City Shaped by Conflict exhibit
at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in a display dedicated
entirely to Parks Canada Hometown Heroes from across the
country.
Quotes
"It is my privilege, on behalf of the Government of Canada, to recognize Mr. Floyd H. Prosser as a Parks Canada Hometown Hero
for his remarkable service and lasting impact on his community and
country. By highlighting the stories of individuals like Mr.
Prosser, we not only express our gratitude for their sacrifices but
also preserve their legacy to inspire and educate future
generations of Canadians."
Darren Fisher
Member of Parliament Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
"Parks Canada's Hometown Heroes
program celebrates the outstanding contributions of individuals
like Mr. Floyd H. Prosser, whose
dedication and service during WWII exemplify true courage and
commitment. His legacy is an inspiration to us all, showing how one
person can help shape the future of their community and country. I
encourage everyone to explore the stories of Mr. Prosser and other
remarkable Canadians in this program."
Ron Hallman
President and Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada
Quick Facts
- For his service to his country, Floyd
H. Prosser was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, The Italy Star,
The France and Germany Star, The
Defence Medal, The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas
Bar and the War Medal.
- Prosser was an ardent supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion
and provided support to fellow veterans with regular visits to the
hospital to see them. Even in death, Mr. Prosser supported the
legion with a request that donations in memorial be made to his
legion branch.
- Halifax played an important
role during the World Wars as an assembly point for supply convoys
and troops heading overseas. During the First World War,
Halifax was the last bit of
Canadian soil on which many troops would tread, and the first when
they returned.
- Launched by Parks Canada in 2015 as a community-based
initiative, the Hometown Heroes program originally honoured
and told the stories of ordinary citizens, both military and
civilian, who contributed to Allied efforts during the First and
Second World Wars. Today, the program is evolving to also recognize
exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds who have a
connection or association to places administered by Parks Canada or
to the Parks Canada mandate; to protect and present Canada's history and natural heritage. To
date, more than 140 Canadians from across the country have been
recognized.
Related Links
- Parks Canada's Hometown Heroes
program
- Parks Canada Website
SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)