​Ripley-Huron Legion dedicates AED to 12 Crosses veterans

The Ripley-Huron Legion now has an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the hall, dedicated in memory of the 12 Crosses veterans, most of whom died in the Second World War.

A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday morning at the Legion, with representatives of the South Bruce OPP and the Legion; Patrick Armstrong, founder and executive director of the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund; and descendants of the veterans’ families.

“We’re happy to be part of this, along with Patrick and the Dave Mounsey Fund,” said Legion president Susan Reeves. “We hope we never have to use the device but it’s here, if needed.”

Armstrong said 50 per cent of the cost of the AED was sponsored by the Ripley-Huron Legion.

“This is the 227th defibrillator donation,” he said. “We have been doing this since 2009 and we expect to make our 238th donation by the end of this year.”

Mounsey was a Huron County OPP officer, said Armstrong. When he and his wife, Brenda, turned 50, they ran a marathon in support of a defibrillator for the Blyth Fire Department. Ten days later, on Nov. 13, 2006, he died while responding to a call.

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund is dedicated to the donation of life-saving defibrillators to public buildings in the name of law enforcement, fire, emergency services and military members who have died in the line of duty.

Armstrong said the AED is usually dedicated in memory of one person. However, this one honours all 12 of the men who served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

“This is about what Ripley has given,” he said. “It’s the duty of the living to tell the stories of the dead.”

South Bruce OPP constable Kerry Hall said dedicating this AED in memory of these 12 veterans is a great thing, and she is proud to be part of it, as a police officer and a member of the Ripley-Huron Legion. “Thanks to Susan Reeves and Kim Reid for pulling this together.”

The Twelve Crosses honour the following:
 

• Flying Officer Marvin K. Brown
• Joseph Alexander Elliott
• Roderick Alexander Finlayson
• Flight Sergeant Colin Murray MacDonald
• Pilot Officer John A. MacLean
• Sub Lieutenant John A. MacLeod
• Flying Officer Keith R. McCormick
• Gordon B. McGuire
• Robert Montgomery
• Arthur John Pollock
• Lorne Pollock
• Flight Lieutenant Norval Edward Pollock

Ten white crosses were dedicated in the Ripley Cemetery. June 30, 1946, in honour of those who died in the Second World War. However, another was added in memory of Montgomery who was not on the original list, and the 12th cross was placed after the tragic loss of MacLeod in May, 1954.