World War II’s Algonquin Regiment links Parry Sound to northern Ontario

(Editor’s note: This is a letter to John Vanthoff, NDP MPP. It was provided to the North Star for publication.)

Dear John,
I note with dismay your efforts to redefine boundaries of northern Ontario to exclude ridings south of the French River. When the Algonquin regiment was mobilized for active service in World War II it drew its volunteers from all northern communities, as far south as Parry Sound and Gravenhurst.
With pride, some 130 volunteered at the Parry Sound Post Office for active service with the Algonquin regiment. I served with the Algonquin regiment in World War II.
Algonquin veterans are presently involved in placing a beautiful granite monument on the Parry Sound Rotary Algonquin Fitness Trail. Engraved will be the 350 names of the northern Ontario and other boys who gave their lives for our freedom.
Plans are to have local citizens, school children, etc, adopt a soldier from our honours list.
This is just one case of our historic bond with northern Ontario. We would not like to see it severed.
As MPP for Temiskaming-Cochrane, you will be well aware of the past and present activities of the Algonquin Regiment both in war and peace time.
Our ceremonial dedication of the Algonquin Memorial will be on Sunday, Sept. 23, stating at 2 p.m. Detachments of the Algonquin Regiment from Timmins and North bay will be on parade.
Hope to see you there. Please RSVP.