Family, friends, students of St. Francis of Assisi, and dignitaries gathered on November 8 at the O’Brien Family War Memorial Grotto on the church grounds, Outer Cove, for the unveiling of a storyboard telling the story of the six brothers who served in World War II. In less than two years, 4 brothers had died along with their grieving father. About 30 guests shared this emotional day with the descendants of the O’Brien family, some traveling from as far as Nova Scotia to pay homage to the tragic story of their family.
Our Development Association’s Veterans Committee, led by John Kennedy, raised all the funds for the refurbishing of the grotto and the commemorative storyboard to accompany it. We recognize the generous support of the SFOA church parish council for allowing us to carry out the restoration work. Special thanks to NTV News’s Rosie Mullaley and crew who recorded the event https://ntv.ca/brothers-who-lost-their-lives-in-world-war-ii-honoured-with-memorial/ For more info on the grotto see Restoration of the O’Brien Family War Memorial Grotto- Phase I (lbmcocdevelopment.org) and https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/beareaved-mother-memorial-restoration-1.6647753
Dale Russell Fitzpatrick of Heritage Interpretive Services was contracted to research the story of the family. Renovations to the grotto and the installation of the storyboard were carried out by Grand Concourse Authority.
Many thanks go out to all residents and friends who contributed to our fundraising dinners, 50/50 draws, and Grand In the Hand Ticket sales. Special thanks to Michelle Hickey and her team for organizing the various fundraiser events. Credit for the many pictures here and on our Facebook, page goes to Michelle Hickey.
See our Facebook Page for details.
