Flags flew at half-mast outside the Springhill legion on Tuesday to honour a fallen veteran, and a man described as a pillar of the community.
Dr. Arnold Burden, 96, served overseas during the Second World War. He was part of the first medical team at Normandy, and later treated victims at a concentration camp.
Burden’s bravery continued when he went underground to treat miners during the disasters in 1956 and 1958.
“He was pretty brave,” says 95-year-old retired miner Herb Pepperdine. “If you seen the mess that was in that mine, for him to go down there and help all those miners, yup.”
Pepperdine says Dr. Burden meant a lot to the community.
“Oh he meant a lot. Good doctor,” says Pepperdine. “He'd come right to your house.”
Later in life, Burden became involved in promoting the Miner's Museum and the town's coal mining history. It was said all he had to do was be asked, and he would attend any event.
Burden kept a book about his work underground. He also had a knack for knowing names.
Historical Society president Russell Fisher helped nominate him for the Order of Nova Scotia.
“He spoke to everyone. When he went to the post office or anywhere on the street, he spoke to you and he called you by name. It was different. A lot of professional people today, they haven't got time," says Burden.
Burden also received France's Legion of Honour and the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award.
County councillor Maryanne Jackson says Burden represents the history of the community of Springhill.
“Dr. Burden, above all, after the disasters of Springhill, he stayed. So he had a passion for this community, for Springhill, and he stayed and he helped rebuild the community. We are all so thankful for that,” says Jackson.
Funeral services for Dr. Arnold Burden will take place next week.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Dan MacIntosh.
