ENFIELD: It was an emotional night at the ball field in Enfield on Thursday night.
A memorial bench recognizing one of the former Corridor Minor Baseball Nationals players gone far too soon was unveiled.
Before a large crowd of friends, community members, and family, the Nationals unveiled the Braeden Bannister Memorial Bench.
The bench is situated on the third base side of the George P. Horne Memorial Field (big one) at the Enfield Legion.
Braeden was a true teammate on and off the field, a coach’s dream and his smile lit up every dug out he entered, said Jackie Dobbin in her speech at the ceremony.
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Lantz Fire was in attendance for the bench unveiling.
Braeden was a volunteer firefighter with the department when he died during a family outing.
He was an accomplished athlete, an honours student, a volunteer firefighter with Lantz Volunteer Fire and an amazing human being with a strong desire to give back to others.
The memorial fund started by his parents in their sons name has been able to help countless other athletes and local organizations because of the communities support.
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Ball coach Gary Redden, who was unable to attend, passed along a few remarks that Dobbin read.
“Braeden’s commitment to his community matched his passion for sports. As a junior firefighter with the Lantz volunteer fire Dpt, he exemplified a desire to help others and a willingness to contribute selflessly,” read Dobbin from Redden’s email.
“He was a budding community volunteer whose legacy of kindness, dedication and spirit will forever be remembered. He is dearly missed.”
On this night, the memorial bench became a reality because of MLA John A. MacDonald; Sangsters Automotive; and Shooters Bar & Grill.
The organizers wished to thank them.
“Your kindness and generosity is beyond measure, thank you for your generous giving spirit,” Dobbin said.
