Eternal Flame for Petawawa

A soldier's wife has taken the initiative.

"Keep the home fires burning

While your hearts are yearning

Though our lads are far away

They dream of home ..."

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Not happy with fruitcake? Get what you really wanted

Although written by Ivor Novello and Lena Ford in 1914, with Canada suffering casualties and injuries in Afghanistan, the words above continue to ring true, says military wife Dianne Collier.

The words inspired the creation of an 11-member committee headed by Collier which is trying to raise $20,000 to erect a Parliament Hill-style eternal flame monument at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa recognizing the ongoing role of military spouses and mothers.

Backed by base command and to be located at an existing park overlooking the Ottawa River, the flame would symbolize the fact wives and mothers have kept the home fires burning when their loved ones are away on the front.

TRANQUIL SITE

"The flame is an obvious choice to acknowledge their role in this very challenging lifestyle," said author and columnist Collier, who is heading the campaign along with the woman who proposed the project, Linda Mohns.

The committee, which includes active and retired military members and spouses, local businesspeople and representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion and Korean Veterans Association, has been meeting for several weeks to plan the monument and fundraising activities, Collier said.

When completed, she said, the eternal flame site will offer a tranquil place to pause and reflect. Featuring benches, a walkway and flowering dogwood bushes -- which turn a symbolic red in the winter -- the 8-ft. grey granite monument and surrounding Home Fires Park will create "an atmosphere of love and support," organizers say.

Mounted on the monument will be a 4-ft.-long bronze rose topped by a bowl containing the eternal "flame of hope."

The fundraising effort includes sales of eternal flame brooches for $5 and yellow ribbon "Support our Troops" magnets for $4. Details are available at www.renc.igs.net/~tcollier.

The committee's goal is to complete the monument and light the flame in June. With the current Afghanistan deployment involving 1,600 CFB Petawawa-based troops under way, there's perhaps never been a better time to create something uplifting in the community, Collier said.

Permanent symbol

"Many people have told me they feel somewhat helpless in light of the challenges our military members and families are facing today," said Collier.

"They want to help but don't know how. Well, here's a way to create something permanent which will mean a lot to people."

One of the corporations Collier is negotiating with for support is Enbridge, which she hopes will provide technical expertise as well as a deal on a perpetual supply of natural gas.

A founding member of CFB Petawawa's Military Family Resource Centre, Collier produced the first newsletter linking similar centres in Canada and Europe.

Her contributions have earned her the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, the Canada 125 Medal, the Base Commander Commendation and the first Humanitarian Award from 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, which is leading the battle group in Afghanistan.

In 2006, Collier was named Town of Petawawa Senior of the Year.

While the eternal flame will be located at Petawawa, Collier said it will recognize all Canadian families who support those who serve.

"Let those who've paid the ultimate sacrifice rest in peace knowing that each one of them and the families they've left behind will never be forgotten," she said.