A moving Memorial Day weekend ceremony was held Saturday in St. Andrews to honour six Civil War veterans laid to rest far from the battlegrounds where they once served.

Hosted by the New Brunswick Historical Society and the 20th Maine Company I Re-enactment Group, the service brought history to life—reviving memorial traditions not often seen on this side of the border.

Among those remembered was Dr. John F. Stevenson, a Saint Andrews-born, Harvard-trained surgeon who served in the 29th Connecticut Infantry—one of the Union Army’s African-American regiments. A white Canadian man serving in a segregated Black unit, Dr. Stevenson’s story is both extraordinary and rarely told.

Organizer Troy Middleton says the ceremony is part of a broader effort to shine a light on New Brunswick’s overlooked connection to the American Civil War—and the lives of those who chose to fight for freedom beyond their own borders.

"Canadian involvement in the American Civil War is a little known piece of our history," said Middleton. "And these men and a number of women, they went down and took part in that conflict. And their story should be told and remembered."

A poignant moment came with the return of Dr. Stevenson’s Civil War sword—engraved with his name and regiment—recovered from a private collection in Ontario. Thanks to a successful local fundraising campaign, the sword is now home in New Brunswick.

Also honoured was Charles Norris, buried near Stevenson. Born into slavery in Maryland, Norris later fought with the 43rd U.S. Colored Troops. After the war, he made his home in Saint Andrews. Charlotte County became a final refuge for many who had once fought for freedom.

Ralph Thomas, program coordinator with the New Brunswick Black History Society, says stories like these deepen our understanding of the province’s Black history. Nearby Beaver Harbour, after all, was the first settlement in British North America to ban slavery in the 1830s—decades before the Civil War. Nearby Beaver Harbour, after all, was the first settlement in British North America to ban slavery decades before the Civil War.

"The more you learn about black history, the more you learn about history in general," said Thomas. "You also learn how the white folks came together way back in 1783, and they came together when the Quakers said there would be no slave masters in this community. Now, that was right in Beaver Harbour. It must have been the same in St. Andrews. Remembering those who fought for freedom honours a legacy of quiet courage and a community that refused to stand on the sidelines of history."

Remembering those who fought for freedom honours a legacy of quiet courage and a community that refused to stand on the sidelines of history.

Greater St. Stephen Sports Wall of Fame holds annual gala

The Garcelon Civic Center came alive with community pride during the 7th annual Greater St. Stephen Sports Wall of Fame gala dinner on Satruday. This year’s ceremony honoured Rick Cotter both for his athletic achievements as well as his lasting impact developing sport across the region. The late Rose Anne Johnston was recognized for her exceptional contributions to athletics, while provincial champs, the 1962-63 St. Stephen High School Spartans Men’s Basketball Team, were honoured for their historic teamwork. 

The community also gathered to pay tribute to Joe Peters, the visionary founder of the Sports Wall of Fame, who passed away in October. The ceremony’s timing—on May 24th, Joe’s birthday—was a moving reminder of the enduring legacy he left behind.

"It was his idea. It was his vision," said Don Walker, member of the Sports Wall of Fame board. "It was his dream that we turned this into a reality. And we're proud of Joe. We're proud of what he meant to our community and what he's done to bring this to life."