Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 02/05) - A new display at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is a tribute to contributions made by Northern veterans, says the man instrumental in acquiring the memorabilia.

Capt. Conrad Schubert of Canadian Forces Northern Area said the purpose of the display is to not only explore how the North's veterans have contributed, but also to identify themes of military activity in the North.

"I tried to pick things that had a direct connection to Yellowknife," Schubert said.

"And I was trying to find names that people would know."

The exhibit coincides with the Year of the Veteran.

"I am hoping teachers will bring students here so that when they walk past Rivett Crescent or Woolgar Avenue, they will think about those people who had served during the war," Schubert said.

The exhibit includes an interactive computer terminal that examines the NWT and Yukon Radio System, items from veterans Bishop John Sperry, Gordon Raymond Carter and Albert Thomas Rivett, and historical data on veteran pilots in the NWT.

A display case of uniforms past and present highlights the exhibit, which opened Sunday during the Amazing Family Sundays event.

For Daniel Gaukel, 10, seeing the exhibit brought to life the wartime stories he has heard.

"I like stuff about the navy and how it was not the best one if you wanted to eat," Gaukel said.

War veteran Dusty Miller said the display was well put together.

"It shows an appreciation of the veterans and recognizes and gives attention to the seniors," Miller said.

Yellowknifer Ester Braden said the display brought back wartime memories.

"I remember VE Day. It was a long war," Braden said.

Serving in wartime wasn't Ruth Spence's "cup of tea."

"I was 341 days in the army. I didn't go in the army until after VE Day. I was 18 and I finished high school."

Spence, who has lived in Yellowknife since 1964, said the display was "great."

Jan Stirling was a battlefield nurse for 14 months in the Korean War.

"We'd have 35 or 40 come in to our base hospital at once," she said.

"I think the display is great," Stirling said.

Terry Pamplin, exhibit designer, said he's found that visitors like the local connection and the people they can recognize through the names in it.

The exhibit will be on display until Christmas.