Editor: Many newcomers to Langley will likely be unfamiliar with the fact that Fort Langley is the birthplace of B.C. and that there is a statute on the B.C. books representing that information, called the Douglas Day Act. The Fort Langley National Historic Site re-enacts the Douglas Day proclamation every year on its anniversary — Nov. 19.
What is even more important is that theTownship of Langley has held a Douglas Day banquet to honour its own pioneers, for more than 50 years. It honours people who have helped establish the Township into the thriving and vibrant community it is today.
For that reason, it is extremely disappointing to me, as a resident born and raised in Langley, that no consideration has been given to naming any new school in the Willoughby area in honour of a local pioneer. Langley Township has a rich heritage like no other community in B.C.
It was one of the first municipalities to be incorporated in 1873. It is important that our children honour and remember those individuals and families who settled Langley, so that their contributions are never lost.
Our board of education should take a leadership role in this regard — teaching children the importance of Langley’s heritage so that its significant history is never lost. Naming schools in honour of our pioneers is one important way to do this.
It is disappointing that greater significance is not given to honouring our past.
Alice Johnson,
Willoughby
