Commemoration of Carleton Martello Tower celebrates veterans, history

The Carleton Martello Tower and its rich history were commemorated Saturday in Saint John.

The tower was built to defend against approaching enemies during the War of 1812. But Parks Canada’s Rachel Richardson says its significance went beyond that.

“The structure built on top the superstructure was built as a fire command post during the Second World War and during the First World War,” says Richardson. “We also served as a small detention centre as for deserters.”

The celebrations were focused on the tower, as well as veterans who fought in the wars. Local historians say that’s important because few veterans are still around to celebrate.

“We don’t appreciate what we have because most times we don’t know what we have,” says historian Harold Wright. “So here’s a chance for people to learn a bit about the tower, a bit about our veterans and the service they did.”

Ten hometown heroes were honoured at Saturday’s ceremony, including Arthur Pottle, who was a member of the famed Devil’s Brigade stationed in Italy and France.

“I was stationed on Partridge Island in the early part of the(Second World War),” says Pottle. “That was our command post. They built it on top of the old tower when you see the new construction there.”

The Carleton Martello Tower is now one of Parks Canada’s historic sites. Richardson says the structure holds a great deal of significance.

“On the inside it has these arch-shaped ceilings with a large column that goes up through the centre, so basically the architecture is very important,” says Richardson. “It makes it hard to penetrate so it’s a great defensive structure.”

Atlantic Living Heritage Association members arrived dressed as sailors would have during wartime. They say this visual lesson attracts a lot of attention.

“It actually brings history alive,” says association president Greg Fenwick. “A lot of people don’t know the history of what’s happened in this country or even locally here. So we help bring that alive and bring questions to people’s minds as they see what we’re carrying and why we’re carrying it.”

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ashley Blackford.