It seemed apt that a thick grey fog descended over St Anthony harbour last Wednesday at the launch of a book about lighthouses.
Even more fitting was that the arrival of Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean was delayed more than an hour because of the murkiness.
But the pea soup that enveloped the CCGS George R Pearkes didn’t cloud the enthusiasm of the small group of dignitaries invited to the launch of Sentinels of the Straits, a book partnership between well-known artist Leslie Noseworthy and the Canadian Coast Guard Newfoundland Region Alumni Association.
Newfoundland and Labrador Canadian Coast Guard assistant commissioner John Butler said the glossy 86-page book, which details the history of the Belle Isle lighthouses through the historical narrative of Wade Kearly and paintings from Mr Noseworthy, was a credit to all involved.
“Preserving our transportation history and documenting the way of life for our light keepers is a significant goal and milestone,” he said.
“As technology continues to change rapidly this history will be an invaluable record for generations to come.
“I’d like to thank the leaders of the Alumni and Les for their vision and persistence in these projects. >Although some are retired, they continue to work for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador in ways you cannot put a value on.”
The softly and delicately spoken Ms Jean, who is the Canadian Coast Guard Honorary Chief Commissioner, told the enthralled audience that she has long had an affiliation with lighthouses.
“I feel privileged to be among you, in the fog,” she said.
“I can still remember as a child being captivated by the idea of lighthouses offering beacons of hope to sailors trying to find themselves safely to shore and I am delighted that children across this province, and maybe all of Canada, can share in that and be inspired.
“It brings great joy to my heart to join you all here because over the past five years of my mandate I have been inspired to see how Canadians, serving as coast guards, devote themselves whole heartedly to protecting Canadian sovereignty and to helping Canadians lost at sea.”
Ms Jean described Mr Noseworthy’s paintings as an “incredible journey and adventure”.
“You have captured the beauty of the landscape of our great country, I think you are very blessed,” she said.
“I want to thank you for this wonderful work, because it’s a way of showing what lighthouses mean and how much they belong to our collective memory, history and experiences.
“This book is a treasure for all of us here in Newfoundland and hopefully across Canada.”
Mr Noseworthy said it was an “absolute pleasure” to have been afforded the chance to travel to Belle Isle and complete this book.
“I went to a far remote place and I painted and I tried to depict what I saw in front of me, and it was a wonderful thing for me. I would not have been able to do this without the members of the Coast Guard and of the Alumni,” he said.
“Every day you have the opportunity to take something from society but there’s not every day you can give something back, but the Coast Guard Alumni gave me that opportunity.
“This evening is a wonderful thingas we sit here in the fog.”
jgraney@northernpen.ca
.jpg)
.jpg)
