Remembrance Day Holds Extra Meaning for Mark Harvie
Unassuming, loyal and skilled, Mark is well-known for his hands-on expertise. What most people don’t know, however, is that every Remembrance Day, no matter how busy the shop, Mark finds a moment to sit quietly in a service vehicle, turn on the radio and listen to a Remembrance Day service. For him, the day carries a deep personal significance.
Mark’s connection to Remembrance Day stems from his grandfather and seven great-uncles, all of whom served in World War II. Their service made them the largest family group from the British Commonwealth to enlist together. To honour this extraordinary legacy, a monument was erected on October 5 in Nova Scotia, and Mark, along with his mother, wife and children, attended the ceremony.
“We were very proud to be there. Being a family member of eight brothers who went off to war who were right on the front lines with two never making it back… it was very meaningful,” said Mark. “To see how much it means to everybody down there – it’s a very big deal. It was very cool.”
The monument itself is striking. Funded by the local legion, it displays the names and photos of all eight Harvie brothers. The number eight is etched prominently into the structure, with two voids in the number symbolizing the two brothers who did not return home.
“Unveiling the monument was amazing,” said Mark. “It’s so beautiful.”
Mark was fortunate to know his grandfather, Avard, who passed away when he was 14. Yet, even though he was close to his grandfather, he could never get him to speak about the war.
“I’d ask him sometimes, but he wouldn’t talk about it,” said Mark.
His mother even urged him to stop asking, believing it upset his grandmother. Avard had volunteered for the war when Mark’s father was only six months old and his aunt two. He served for four years and was eventually sent to the UK for recovery after taking shrapnel to his helmet.
“I understand why he wouldn’t talk about it, but I’m grateful that I was close with him, and I got to know him,” said Mark. “Every Remembrance Day, I think of my grandfather.”
At Mount Pleasant Group, we work with families every day who have lost loved ones. Many of those families have lost loved ones to wars and conflicts. We are honoured to host Remembrance Day services at many of our sites. Please visit the news and events page on www.mountpleasantgroup.com for more information.
