CARBONEAR, NL — The sacrifice of a Carbonear soldier killed in battle over 100 years ago will forever be remembered through the name of the new long-term care facility.
Monday morning, the provincial government formally announced the previously unnamed facility would from now on be called the Pte. Josiah Squibb Memorial Pavilion.
A bullet to the head reportedly killed Squibb, a member of the Newfoundland Regiment, on Oct. 19, 1915. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
"I am honoured to name the Carbonear long-term care home after such a brave young man," Health Minister John Haggie said in a news release. "When the First World War came calling, Pte. Squibb signed up early and he died far too soon."
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 in Carbonear offered the name suggestion for the facility, which has 228 beds. Government also announced Monday that 28 additional beds will soon open in Carbonear.
"I would like to thank the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 23 for their submission to name the Carbonear long-term care facility after First World War Veteran Pte Josiah Squibb," Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde MHA Steve Crocker said. "We will remember his sacrifice for years to come through this memorial."