A long weekend is coming up for many, with Monday being Heritage Day in Nova Scotia. It’s a day that isn’t easy to keep track of in some ways. You often hear it referred to as Family Day, which it is in some provinces. But for us, it’s Heritage Day, and each year it serves to recognize something different about our past.
There is a different honouree for each Heritage Day. The first, back in 2015, was in honour of Viola Desmond. In subsequent years, we have recognized Joseph Howe, the Mi’kmaq, Moan Louise Parsons, Maud Lewis, Africville, Edward Francis Arab, Grand Pre, Rita Joe, and this year, William Hall.
If you’re not familiar with Mr. Hall, you really should look him up. He has quite a story. Born in 1827, he joined the Royal Navy, ending up being sent to India, where, through his actions in battle, became the first Black person and the first Nova Scotian to receive the Victoria Cross for bravery. He was only the third person in Canada to receive the honour, but little was made of it. After he retired from the navy after a long career, he moved to Avonport, where he lived a rather quiet life on a farm with his sisters. In 1901, during a visit to the province by Prince George, the future King George V, he attended a parade, wearing his medals. The future king spotted Mr. Hall in the crowd wearing a Victoria Cross, struck up a conversation with him and brought attention to his service.
That’s the short version. There’s are many more details, and I encourage you to look it up. He led quite a life, on top of winning the highest honour for bravery. And he now has a navy patrol ship named after him.
Each year, the province recognizes a person or group of people for Heritage Day. We should know more about these people. Take a few moments with the Google machine and find out.
