(On November 8, 2021, Mayor Jim Watson honoured two local Veterans with each having a street named in recognition of their service to our country. Photos: City of Ottawa)
On the morning of November 8, 2021, Mayor Jim Watson hosted a commemorative street naming ceremony at City Hall in honour of Veterans’ Week. The Mayor announced that Lieutenant-Colonel David Wiens and Squadron Leader Dr. Jean Davey would be honoured through the City’s Veterans’ Commemorative Street Naming Program for 2020 and 2021.
David Wiens served in the Canadian Intelligence Corps from 1942 to 1946 in Northwest Europe and the United Kingdom, and in 1951 rejoined the Canadian military serving in various intelligence appointments. He received many decorations, including the Thunderbird Badge for his contributions to military intelligence, and the Canadian Decoration and 1st Bar for his long service. He was discharged as a Lieutenant-Colonel. Mr. Wiens passed away on November 16, 2017 at the age of 97. He had been a resident of Stittsville.
Mr. Wiens had also written a book that detailed his lineage and the historic stories of Mennonites and their travels across Europe, along with sharing stories of his childhood in Russia. He wrote the book after researching his family’s genealogy records.
“The family and the residents of Ottawa are proud to have his memory live on in his city and honour his service with a street in his name,” Mayor Watson told the small audience. The Mayor invited Mrs. Gail Wiens-Segal, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Wiens, Councillor Glen Gower and Mr. Collin McSweeney, representative of Claridge Homes part of the CRT consortium, to the stage to make the presentation for the 2020 honouree David Wiens.
On the Mayor’s facebook page, L-C Wiens’ daughter, Gail, commented, “A very moving ceremony to acknowledge my dear father’s military service. We deeply appreciate the heartfelt and moving words expressed by everyone.”
Also honoured with a street sign in Barrhaven was Dr. Jean Davey was one of the first two Canadian women to enter the Armed Forces, serving as the Forces’ first Canadian female doctor from 1941 to 1945. She was the first woman to be granted the commission of Squadron Leader and was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1943 in recognition of her service. Ms. Davey passed away on March 31, 1980.
Mayor Watson ended the ceremony with, “Today was an important opportunity to reflect upon and honour the individuals who fought to protect our country and city. Lieutenant-Colonel David Wiens and Squadron Leader Dr. Jean Davey both bravely served in World War II and their memory will live on in our community for generations.”
Local developers can participate in the Veterans’ Commemorative Street Naming Program by naming streets within new housing developments. CRT Developments is naming a street in their Westwood subdivision in Stittsville after David Wiens. CAIVAN is naming a street in The Ridge subdivision in Barrhaven after Dr. Jean Davey. The veterans will be commemorated with a street sign that bears their name as well as the poppy – the universal sign of remembrance.
That is wonderful but do not forget those 38 men and one woman who never returned to us.
Stittsville Cenotaph for WW1, WW2 & Afghanistan. Sincerely, Edna ~~