Media Advisory
Park to be Named After Fallen Soldier
(Monday, September13/2004)-- A 21-year-old Armdale man will have a Halifax park named after him more than 60 years after he was killed in action in Italy during the Second World War.
Councillor Linda Mosher, in response to requests from the family of Private Edward Drillio, has arranged to have a memorial plaque erected and the park adjacent to the Springvale Elementary School to be named after the fallen soldier and other Armdale residents who participated in the Second World War.
Eddie Drillio, the son of Gordon and Margaret Drillio, of Armdale, resided on Crown Drive before joining the Canadian Army. He was only 21 when he was killed in action on May 23, 1944 near Pontecorvo, Italy, and later buried at Cassino War cemetery, about 139 kilometres southwest of Rome.
Pte. Drillio's body was found in a field, a letter to his family clasped in his hand. Thought to be written shortly before the battle, he told his mother he was fine, and not to worry. He must have taken the letter out as he lay dying to remember the family he loved so much and the home he would never see again.
Mayor Peter Kelly, Councillor Mosher, relatives of Pte. Drillio and students will be present at a ceremony at Springvale Elementary School to unveil the plaque. Later this Fall, it will be affixed to a granite stone in a park adjacent to the school.
When: Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Springvale Elementary School, 92 Downs Avenue, Halifax
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Councillor Linda Mosher
(902) 476-4117
John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531
