The paverstone roundel in Barrie’s Military Heritage Park now bears the name of retired Maj.-Gen. Richard Rohmer.
One of Canada most decorated military veterans, Rohmer was honoured by the naming Monday morning on the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay.
“This is an unusual and unexpected moment for me in my life,” said Rohmer, who turned 100 years old earlier this year. “The roundel is going to be permanent and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it, and I’m very proud to have it named for me.
“The air force has been my whole life,” he added. “But what impresses me is you are all here.”
A crowd of those in the Canadian military, some from nearby Canadian Forces Base Borden, Barrie’s Royal Canadian Legion and Barrie city council were among those on hand for the naming, which is ‘Rohmer Roundel’.
Rohmer, a Collingwood resident, flew Mustang aircraft as reconnaissance for operations across Normandy, Belgium, Holland and Germany during the Second World War. He remained part of the Royal Canadian Air Force, flying Vampire fighters after the war as a commander for two squadrons.
Rohmer retired in 1953 as a wing commander. He rejoined the air force in the 1970s as an adviser and became major-general as the chief of reserves.
A lawyer and member of the Ontario bar, he has written more than 30 books.
Rohmer was appointed Commander of the Order of Military Merit, and served as honorary advisory to the Chief of the Defence staff.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall called Rohmer one of Canada’s most distinguished military veterans.
“You want to emulate the legacy that Gen. Rohmer has created, it’s just not possible,” Nuttall said. “There is no chance, no chance, that we can actually achieve all that you’ve achieved.”
“You are not just a witness to history, you are a living testament to it ,” said CFB Borden Hon.-Col. Wayne Hay. “Your service and dedication have paved the way for generations to follow."
This past June saw the completion of two projects along Barrie’s waterfront, marking the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary, also celebrated at Military Heritage Park.
The floral and paverstone roundels were done in partnership with the RCAF and Trees for Life.
There is a tulip garden in the shape of the RCAF roundel — an outer blue circle, white interior with a red maple leaf — as well as in-laid brick, also in the shape of the air force roundel, along one of the park’s pathways.
The RCAF paverstone roundel project is located on the far eastern border of Military Heritage Park, features a central paverstone maple leaf and has 13 red maple trees planted around the site, representing the 13 provinces and territories of Canada, as well as 100 bayberry shrubs, representing 100 years of the RCAF.
Planting was done with the help of local Air Cadet 102 Squadron. The roundel design includes six custom benches, created and donated by the Lepp Family, made from reclaimed wood from former CFB Rivers, which was a No. 1 Air Navigation School in Manitoba.
The RCAF floral roundel is planted in blue and red annual flowers, separated by white decorative landscape rock, to convey the colours of the RCAF roundel emblem. It’s more than 10 metres in diameter and is located near the walkway beside Southshore Centre.
The roundel projects were funded in part by Veterans Affairs Canada.
The roundel project completion occurred this year among a number of significant military anniversaries, including the RCAF's 100th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
