Lecture to Honour, Remember and Thank Women

The contributions of Halifax women to the First World War will be celebrated in a lecture by Halifax historian Janet Guildford on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The Agnes Dennis Lecture for 2005 commemorates the Year of the Veteran -- celebrating, honouring and remembering the sacrifice of veterans and teaching youth about the importance of their contributions. Canadian women have made countless contributions to the war effort and the peace movement throughout history.

Members of the Local Council of Women of Halifax were leaders in the city in the early part of the 20th century. Other historians have called them Halifax's feminist superstars.

"Agnes Dennis and friends on the Red Cross board raised more than a million dollars during the four years of the First World War," said Ms. Guildford. "They were remarkable administrators and organizers and quite sophisticated fundraisers."

The group shifted their attention to support the national war effort, after having been at the forefront of work in many areas that affect women and families, especially in the effort to gain women's right to vote.

Halifax women also dominated the executive of the Nova Scotia Branch of the Red Cross.

In an era when the Canadian military lacked the resources to provide full support for serving personnel, the women of the Red Cross provided everything from personal comforts to medical supplies and international diplomacy in aid of prisoners of war.

The lecture on Nov. 8 will also feature two women who will talk about their experience in the military. Retired major Marial Mosher has been decorated for her service in the Canadian Army and received the Coronation Medal. She has been awarded the Order of Nova Scotia for service during her career. Cmdr. Elizabeth Steel has served in Canada's regular forces for 19 years, providing financial advice and logistical support. She has served in Cambodia and recently organized the Disaster Assistance Relief Team's work in New Orleans.

"Women have played many important roles in Canada's wartime and peace-making efforts," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "Their contributions deserve to be remembered alongside those of our other veterans."

The department of Veterans Affairs and and the Canadian Forces provided support for the 2005 Agnes Dennis Lecture.

The 2005 Agnes Dennis lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in the McInnes Room in the Dalhousie Student Union Building, 6136 University Ave., Halifax.