Editorially speaking...
With all the toppling of statues and the scrubbing of names of pioneers whom we now deem to be unworthy, a good news story: A Filipino sailor is likely to be honoured by the United States Navy for his heroism in rescuing two shipmates during a boiler explosion and fire on board the USS San Diego, way back in 1915.
It's not that Telesforo Trinidad wasn't duly recognized at the time: he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour, the highest American commendation for courage when the CMH could be awarded for heroism in non-combat duty.
Trinidad, who died in 1968, aged 77, had been so eager to join the USN that he'd stowed away on a lifeboat to enlist.
Asian Americans and some Democratic congressmen have been lobbying for several years to have a new navy ship named after him. It's now up to the Secretary of the Navy. But, with an average of only eight new ships per year, of which only three of four are named for people, the USN has had a surfeit of names to choose from.
"There are simply far too many heroes compared to the number of ships being named," retired rear admiral and director of the naval History and Heritage Command Samuel J. Cox explained.
That said, it appears that Telesforo Trinidad, who suffered burns while saving his shipmates, is now on the shortlist.
Let's see what the history revisionists have to say about that.
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Speaking of naming practices, the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district (SD68) is going to "consider Indigenous names when it comes to naming schools". In June, trustees unanimously voted to implement a draft-policy to determine names that are "deemed fit" for new schools.
These names may honour (non-living) people, places of historical or geographical prominence, may represent the intent of the school or may reflect an educational value or interest, according to the policy.
Facilities may also be named to reflect the language of the area's First Nations, Hul'q'umi'num "but in order for a Hul'q'umi'num name to be considered, it must be consented and 'gifted' by local First Nations".
"Revitalizing language, Indigenous language...is an important responsibility that the board should undertake as a true componenent of reconcilization," said school board chairperson Charlotte McKay.
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Recommended for your viewing pleasure...
The last video listed is that of the Mount Benson Canso crash which is told here on the Chronicles.
Thanks to the COVID 19 pandemic the Nanaimo Historical Society has not been able to meet at the Bowen Park Centre for more than a year.
However, beginning in September 2020, the Society has conducted virtual meetings that included a "business" meeting and a presentation by one or more speakers.
These presentations are available on the Society's YouTube channel.
You may wish to view or review the following presentations:
• September 2020 - David Hill-Turner "Shipwrecks and the Nanaimo coal trade"
• October 2020 - Christine Meutzner "Wellington Cemetery Tour”
• November 2020 - Linda Brooymans and Christine Meutzner "After the Great War: Nanaimo veterans back home”
• January 2021 meeting - Tony Orchard "History of the Colliery dams, Nanaimo BC"
• April 2021 - Dave Bodaly "Dave Bodaly on Sayshutsun (Newcastle) Island and Family History"
• May 2021 - Dr. Kelly Black "Roses and Reserves: Public History at Point Ellice House"
• June 2021 - Virtual field trip to Mt. Benson site of October 1951 crash of Queen Charlotte Airlines Canso aircraft
Also for your summer reading pleasure, this notice from Bill Wilson who has released his latest book, Soda Kings of BC & the Yukon, Volume 1, No 2. Bill is one of the best known and most knowledgeable bottle collectors in the province.
As he informs us, “Like Volume 1, No 1, only 100 copies were printed, and there are no plans to do any more. There was a bit of a rush in the first two weeks with the result that the book is already half sold out. The price is $35 plus $7.00 shipping. The book is twice the size of the first one, and covers New Westminster, Burnaby and the Fraser Valley, although the stories also touch a broad area -Vancouver Island, Nelson, Alberta, Ontario, California, Washington and Oregon.
First come, first served.”
Soda Kings of BC & the Yukon is available at www.bcantiquebottles.com
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