Locals honour military at fundraising event

By Hailey Trealout

The Essex and Community Historical Research Society held a fundraiser March 23 to keep their doors open in order to educate the public on its local history.
The ECHRS is an organization that began in 2007 and is used to promote interest in local history. The Southern Ontario Military Muster, Provincial Marines, Canadian Historical Aircraft Association, Windsor Essex Military Family Support Group and the North Wall Riders Association helped support the cause.

Linda Iler, now past president and original founder of ECHRS, is also the secretary for SOMM. She said historical events and working with other organizations is a great learning experience for younger generations.

“The event today is honouring our military,” said Iler. “Once a year we have a big open house fundraiser to raise enough money so we can stay open for the balance of the year. This year when I found out that this was the 60th anniversary of the Korean armistice, I came up with the idea to honour our military this year.”

The event helped provide educating opportunities and a chance to tour the historic building and its displays.

Geoff Bottoms, the president and founder of SOMM, said the event gives people hands on opportunities with history through guns, photos and uniforms.

“It’s a great event. History in itself is something we should pay more attention to and unfortunately we don’t around here,” said Bottoms.
“Today’s kids play all these war games, they get killed, they hit reset and start all over again. In real life, you get killed, you’re dead and there is no reset button. I’m not for war but it’s very important to talk about them and bring the history out.”

The open house followed by a dinner raised $1,400 for the SOMM.