Thursday was both a celebratory and somber occasion in New Waterford, N.S., as residents were joined by descendants to mark Davis Day, honouring slain miner William Davis on the 90th anniversary of his death.
It was on this day in 1925 that Davis was shot dead by mining company police during a miner’s strike in the town.
More than 60 of Davis’ descendants came from across the continent to attend the ceremony.
"It's been a very, very emotional week,” said Anita Davis.
One with highs as well as lows, she said, since the occasion became a family reunion, allowing her to meet some relatives for the very first time.
“We were able to pull it off and get so many of us together, because we all want to keep his memory alive,” said Norma MacDonald, William Davis’ granddaughter.
“We had the oldest grandchild of William Davis, and the very youngest great-great-great grandchild,” she said.
The ceremony involved the laying of memorial wreaths, but the mood also picked up with rousing performances from the coal miner’s choir Men of the Deeps.
The occasion was also marked with the unveiling of new signange, re-naming the highway to New Waterford as William Davis Way.
"His legacy will live on forever,” said Anita.
The family says they hope to bring back as many relatives as possible for the 100th anniversary.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald
