Hi.

I finally received the "Commemorative Name Certificate" from the Manitoba Geographical Names place. (I requested it BEFORE I requested my Uncle's service records! Waitedabout 7 or so months for this certificate!)

Its 11 x 15, came in a mailing tube. Any relative can get a certificate for their own family member so commemorated...$20 plus postage etc equals about $27.00. I figuredsome of you might wantan idea beforehand of what you'll getinthe mail if you send away fro a certificate...here goes:

Its a big map of Manitoba with a red Maple Leaf marking the spot on the map where the lake is. shows longitude and latitude, is signed by the Manitoba Representative and the Minister of Conservation. The certificate is black, white, red, and pale blue for the water.

The top of the certificate says -in red ink and fancy script:

Commemorative Name Certificate

On the map face is written:

Edward Smith Lake
named after
Rfn. Edward Smith

To the right side from the map, there is a little window illustration of the "water" with "Edward Smith Lake" written on it.

A stamp of "Manitoba" and a Buffalo at the bottom.
A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time."

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MORE good news: I had a couple of emails from 2 people who know someone in town (here) who can help me understand my uncles service records. One man is with the armed forces. I'm really looking forward to talking with him, although thanks to JIM's thread and in here, you people are helping me a lot, because Jim is asking many of the questions I have THANKS JIM!!!! And thank you all again for any and all help you've given me so far.