A young Bernard Kelly aboard the HMCS Assiniboine during the 1968 Governor General’s Centennial Cruise of Newfoundland. Kelly said he is willing to donate memorabilia from his military career to the Town of Bay Bulls if it is willing to display it publicly. Submitted photo
By Mark Squibb
A Navy veteran with ties to Bay Bulls says he is willing to donate his own personal military memorabilia to the town should it be interested in putting it on display.
Bernard Kelly came to Bay Bulls as a five-year-old foster child and joined the Navy in 1965 at the age of 17. He retired in 2008 after 43 years of service and currently lives in Prince Edward Island.
Kelly’s collection of memorabilia includes ship crest emblems, old photos, and even spent shells. He said he would like to see it donated for the public good rather than be thrown out or go to waste. He added other folks in the community have agreed that they would like to see a museum of sorts commemorating veterans.
“A lot of lads served and never received recognition,” said Kelly. “If I can do something for them, that’s good for me.”
Kelly’s father, Fred, went overseas with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in 1940, and repatriated to England in 1949. Fred never received a Canadian pension, which Bernard counts as an injustice to this day.
On the home front is Sandra Costello, a close friend of Kelly, who has advocated over the last decade or so for a museum or public display of sorts honouring veterans.
“There’s a lot of people that have passed away that have served in the navy or in the army, and some that are still alive,” said Costello. “And so, I said, ‘We should have something here for them.”
More recently, Costello brought the suggestion to council during the July 22 public meeting.
The town council was receptive to the recommendation, with Town Manager Ashley Wakeham adding the Town has applied for funding that may be able to assist with the project.
In the meantime, Costello will continue to advocate for a display.
“It’s always on my mind,” said Costello. “And Bernard instilled it in me.”
