Ken told him about the dedication ceremonies t0 be held the next day, that he was welcome t0 attend, but the gentleman said he had only a very short time to be here and that he had to be on his way, but he enjoyed very much meeting Ken and seeing the dedication cäirn for the French people and the fitting remembrance of William Wallace, and that this had been the most interesting thing of all t0 him, in his journeys through eastern Canada.
He shook Ken’s hand (and Ken has a very large hand) and the stranger’s hand was so large, it completely covered Ken’s entire hand. Then the mysterious visitor, who was driving alone, got in his dark-colored van and drove away.
That was the last Ken saw ofhim, and he hasn’t seen or heard of him since.
The unusual aspect of the story is that, upon his first
encounter with this exceedingly tall, rugged elderly gentleman, Ken sensed something almost unnatural, even strange - that seemed to emanate from this man. His very first impression when he first laid eyes on this very tall, strong gentleman, before they even began their conversation was “Well, ifI didn’t know better, l’d swear it was Wallace himself, dropping by t0 check on the memorial cäirn, and
that he most certainly approved of it, giving his blessing".
And that was the mvsterious
encounter Ken had experienced
at the memorial cäirn.
And now, a personal note to you, David Le Gallant, and your Association, from Ken himself:
l felt that you might like t0 have this letter in remembrance of all the events that seemed t0 occur in an almost magical way - how everything came about; the cäirn that exceeded 12,000 lbs., and the unique shape of it, like the prow of a ship, and the people that turned out from all denominations and cultures.
l would like t0 thank you for the great unrelenting effort and dedication that you gave
to myself and our society, to
PAGE 44
LA PETITE SOUVENANCE
further the history of the Acadian people who once lived in our area. They will always be remembered due t0 you and your Acadian Museum Association’s wonderful contribution.
On behalf of the Belfast Historical Society and myself, we wish you the blessings of God and thank you for the great work you have done in keeping the knowledge that you have, to continue the furthering of the causes of you and your people. You and all the members of the Acadian community will always be welcome in the community of the Scots of Belfast, Prince Edward lsland. Thank you and God Bless.
Sincerely, Ken Emery, President, Belfast Historical Society
[Submitlea’ m David Le Gal/(ml, past president Of bath thc Acadian Museum Association of RE]. and lhe SisIer Anioinetîe DesRocheS Historical C ommittee. by Jayne K. Emery. on behalfafherfathei: Ken Emery. and all Ilze members off/le Bel/as! Historica/ Sociery].
Our heartfclt sympathy t0 the Emery Famin and t0 members of the Belfast Historical Society.
Mrs. Saundra Emery and her daughterJayne (Wood Islands, November let, 2007)