The Government of Canada honors Mr. Floyd H. Prosser as a Hometown Hero

HALIFAX, NS, the 12 oct. 2024 /CNW/ – The government of Canada is committed to sharing the stories of the people, places and events that have contributed to the rich and diverse heritage of our country.

Today, Darren Fisherdeputy of Dartmouth–Cole Harbour honored Mr. Floyd H. Prosser as part of the program Heroes of our home of Parks Canada, on behalf of the Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. The ceremony took place at Halifaxin Nova Scotia, at the National Historic Site of Canada of the CitadelHalifaxin the presence of dignitaries and family members.

M. Floyd H. Prosser

Born in 1920 in ElginNew Brunswick, Floyd H. Prosser enlisted in the Active Forces of the Canadian Army in 1941 at Monctonin New Brunswick. Transferred abroad, he trained for two years on tanks in England and Scotland before being sent to Italy in 1943. Mr. Prosser was present during many famous battles of the 1^re Canadian Armored Brigade and, in addition to the difficulty of fighting against tough enemy soldiers, he and other Canadian troops suffered from extreme weather conditions marked by hot summers and freezing winters. After leaving Italy, Mr. Prosser landed in France in March 1945 when the 1^re Canadian Armored Brigade was sent to support the liberation of theEurope. During his time abroad, he saw Winston Churchill and King George VI in person during inspections at attention. Additionally, he and other Canadian troops were blessed by the Pope upon their arrival in Rome.

Mr. Prosser returned to civilian life in 1946, after serving for nearly five years away from his country, and worked as an industrial electrician at Westinghouse Canada until his retirement in 1975. After retiring, he He is actively involved in the Royal Canadian Legion and has also visited other hospitalized veterans.

To mark the 80^e anniversary of D-Day in 2024, Parks Canada has the honor of adding Floyd H. Prosser to the program Heroes of our home. He further expands the list of Canadians who have been recognized for their contributions as prominent community leaders, in accordance with the mission and priorities of Parks Canada, and for their efforts to protect and promote heritage natural and cultural Canada as part of the program Heroes of our home. His story will be added to the exhibition Halifax Fortress: A city shaped by conflict at the National Historic Site of Canada of the CitadelHalifaxin a presentation entirely devoted to Heroes of our home of the whole country.

Citations

“I have the privilege, on behalf of the Government of Canadato honor Mr. Floyd H. Prosser as Heroes of our home of Parks Canada for his remarkable service and lasting impact on his community and his country. By highlighting the stories of people like Mr. Prosser, we not only express our gratitude for their sacrifices, but we also preserve their legacy to inspire and educate future generations of Canadians. »

Darren Fisher
Member of Parliament for Dartmouth–Cole Harbour

“The program Heroes of our home of Parks Canada recognizes the exceptional contributions of people like Mr. Floyd H. Prosser, whose dedication and service during the Second World War exemplify true courage and commitment. His legacy is an inspiration to us all, as it shows how one person can help shape the future of their community and country. I encourage everyone to discover the stories of Mr. Prosser and other remarkable Canadians through this program. »

Ron Hallman
President and CEO of Parks Canada

Quick facts

• For services rendered to his country, Floyd H. Prosser was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the Italy Star, the France-Germany Star, the Defense Medal, the Canadian Voluntary Service Medal with bar for service abroad and the Medal of war.
• Mr. Prosser was a strong supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign and supported other veterans by regularly visiting them in hospital. Even after his death, Mr. Prosser supported the Legion by requesting that memorial donations be made to his branch.
• Halifax played an important role during the World Wars as a staging point for supply convoys and troops heading overseas. During the First World War, the town was the last piece of Canadian land to be trodden by large numbers of troops, and the first to be trodden upon their return.
• Launched by Parks Canada in 2015 as a community initiative, the program Heroes of our home originally honored the stories of ordinary citizens, military and civilian, who contributed to the Allied efforts during the First and Second World Wars. Today, the program is evolving to also recognize exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds who have a link or association with places administered by Parks Canada or with Parks Canada’s mandate: to protect and showcase history and natural heritage of Canada. To date, more than 140 Canadians from across the country have been recognized.

Related links

SOURCE Parcs Canada (HQ)

Contacts: Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 1-855-862-1812, [email protected]