PEI Seniors Secretariat

Daria Honoured With PEI Senior Islander Of The Year Award

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 14 Comments

PEI Seniors Secretariat slide

October 23, 2025.  On October 1, 2025, I received the Prince Edward Island Senior Islander of the Year Award from the Prince Edward Island Seniors Secretariat of Prince Edward Island, for my involvement with Hear PEI, a volunteer organization that works to build awareness of hearing loss issues, and in the ongoing research and writing of stories connected to the On The War Memorial Trail Research Project, sharing the untold stories of brave Canadians who served in the two World Wars, all based on Pieter’s research. (See https://theauralreport.wordpress.com/)

…The awards ceremony was held in Charlottetown…

Left to right: Annie Lee MacDonald, Barbara Bain, Matt MacFarlane, Daria and Pieter Valkenburg.  (Photo credit: Evan Ceretti, Provincial Government Photographer)

The luncheon and award ceremony was held at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel in Charlottetown.  My guests were Hear PEI Co-President Annie Lee MacDonald, Hear PEI member Barbara Bain, and my husband Pieter.  The Honourable Matt MacFarlane, MLA for District 19 Borden-Kinkora, who represents the area where Pieter and I live, also sat at our table.

Left to right: Hon. Barb Ramsay, Daria, Peter Holman. (Photo credit: Matt MacFarlane)

The plaque was presented by the Honourable Barb Ramsay, Minister for the Department of Social Development and Seniors, and Peter Holman, Chairperson, PEI Seniors Secretariat.   (See https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/older-islanders-celebrated-with-senior-islander-of-the-year-award)

Wrist corsage and plaque presented to me.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…The citation…

PEI Seniors Secretariat slide shown during the readout of Daria’s biography

Below is the short biography, prepared by Melanie Melanson, Seniors Policy Advisor, Division of Strategy, Policy and Seniors, Department of Social Development and Seniors for the Government of Prince Edward Island, that was read out in outlining the reason for the award being presented: 

“….Daria’s involvement with Hear PEI, a volunteer organization that works to build awareness of hearing loss issues, is endless.  She is the co-president of this group and volunteers tirelessly to make public places more accessible for the hard of hearing through technology.

She was instrumental in coordinating the training of 2 installers for the hearing loop technology which is installed in 4 Access PEI’s and six churches across the Island, Prince County Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Charlottetown City Hall, and the South Shore Pharmacy.  Through her advocacy work with Hear PEI, the group was instrumental in introducing pocket talkers to Island lawyers, hospitals, clinics and their clients.

Her dedication to this group has led to podcasts and videos that address topics of interest to individuals experiencing hearing loss and to the publishing of a booklet entitled, “Pardon me, What did you say?”  Her blog ‘The Aural Report’ as well as the ‘Hearing Challenges’ column in the County Line Courier newspaper help to reach an even wider audience. 

Daria was instrumental in the research connected to the On The War Memorial Trail Research Project, along with her husband, which included putting a face on every name on the cenotaph at the Borden-Carleton Legion. Her book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’ documented a war memorial tour in Europe to visit the graves and memorials of these men, a trip that took them through 4 countries over 6 weeks and 7,000 km.

She has also dedicated her time to writing, in the On The War Memorial Trail blog and newspaper column, about the untold stories of brave Canadians who served in the two World Wars, all based on her husband’s research. 

These stories have not only brought families together but have also served to educate many generations to the courageous sacrifices of these brave Canadians. Over the past years, her efforts have been recognized both here at home and in The Netherlands.

As one person said, “Daria is passionate about her community, province and country.  There is no limit to her energy when she believes something is worthwhile”….”

…Our local MLA also spoke …

Matt MacFarlane with Daria and Pieter.  (Photo credit: Carolyn Simpson)

Matt MacFarlane also spoke a few words about me during the luncheon, and later posted the following comment on his Facebook page, along with photos from the ceremony:

“…What a pleasure it was to attend yesterday’s Senior Islander of the Year Ceremony and meet this year’s recipients who are each so deserving. Among them, I was honoured to have the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of award recipient, friend and neighbour Daria Valkenburg, who has dedicated years of her life to building awareness, promoting hearing accessibility, and advocating on behalf of those experiencing hearing loss. Daria has also contributed countless hours to genealogical, historical and military research to ensure that no fallen soldier is forgotten, and has written books, articles, blogs and so much more on these and many other subjects. Congratulations Daria, so well deserved. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for our community and beyond….”

I was deeply touched by Matt’s words, and thank everyone who was involved in the nomination process for the Senior Islander of the Year Award, and who wrote letters supporting the nomination.

The research continues. If you have a story or photo to share, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com or comment on the blog. 

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following our research, you are welcome to do so.  Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw. 

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Pieter Receives PEI Senior Islander Of The Year Award

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 4 Comments

October 23, 2022. On Friday afternoon, October 21, 2022, we were invited to the Loyalist Inn in Summerside for the 2022 PEI Senior Islander of the Year Awards.  Pieter was honoured for his volunteer work, with a particular emphasis on his research to uncover the stories and photos of Islanders who served in WW1 and WW2.  

20221021_142625 Oct 21 2022 Pieter receives award photo by Mike Smith

Left to right: Hon. Matthew Mackay, Pieter, Audrey Morris.  (Photo credit: Mike Smith)

The certificate was presented by the Hon. Matthew Mackay, Minister for the Department of Social Development and Housing, and Audrey Morris, Chairperson, PEI Seniors Secretariat, in a ceremony at the Loyalist Inn in Summerside. 

2022 Sr Islander of Year Certificate 1

The PEI Senior Islanders of the Year Award certificate.

….Excerpts from some of the letters of support for the nomination….

Excerpts from some of the letters in support of his nomination included:

“….In 2015 Pieter began researching 46 names listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, and in the process was involved in adding 2 more names, for a total of 48.  He not only researched the stories, and where possible, found photos and families of the soldiers, he publicly shared these stories through the media. 

In 2017, so much research had been compiled that he and his wife Daria started a dedicated research blog, which continues to this day.  He also undertook, at his own expense, a 6 week, 7,000 km war memorial tour through 4 European countries to visit cemeteries and memorials of those soldiers he had researched that were buried there…. and those stories were shared as well. 

Pieter continues to share stories of Islanders who served, a valued and immeasurable contribution to our Island’s history. His research has led to a renewed interest in our Island soldiers, and has informed many families and communities about the service and bravery of those who served. 

His research now has expanded to include soldiers from other parts of Canada, as requests come in for help from Dutch researchers. Being Dutch Pieter has a deep gratitude towards Canadians for liberating his birth country, which drives his passion to bring to the forefront the sacrifices of those who served….”

“…Pieter, assisted by his wife Daria, has voluntarily, passionately, and tirelessly worked to research the lives of close to eighty Island soldiers killed overseas in WW1 and WW2.

Pieter’s work has brought to life the personal stories of Island soldiers who gave their lives overseas, and until now were only names on plaques. Descendants of these brave men and women, many now seniors, are greatly appreciative and moved by the commemorative work he has done on behalf of their loved ones.

Whether pouring over documents and photos, meeting families of Island soldiers killed overseas, or boarding a plane for Europe to visit war graves and memorials, Pieter persevered, often tramping through fields in search of a Canadian soldier’s grave….”

“…Heritage and in particular a passion for the Veterans of this area led Pieter into the Borden-Legion Cenotaph Project, and I emphasize the contribution Pieter made as he undertook to complete a remarkable amount of research documenting information and faces of forty-eight names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton legion, and then continuing with stories of other WW1 and WW2 soldiers from the area.  Pieter met with families of these soldiers whenever possible, linking the past with the present, visiting graves and memorials in Canada and in Europe. Pieter continues this research to this present day…”

“ … How special is it for people to bring to life the personal histories of these brave men and women from their local communities who died in service. Pieter’s work reveals his community spirit in supporting Veterans families through his continued efforts. 

Even more importantly is the knowledge that family members of these soldiers have someone who has taken the initiative to ensure the families heroes are not forgotten.  Through his thorough research it also communicates to the families many facts that they would not have otherwise known about their war heroes…”

….What are the Senior Islanders of the Year Awards?….

The Senior Islanders of the Year Awards have been presented since 2010 to celebrate the work of Island seniors in areas like volunteering, artistic achievement, leadership, mentorship, fundraising, community participation and career achievement. 

“These awards are about recognizing and celebrating the significant contributions of Island seniors, through employment, volunteerism and community activities. I cannot think of a more deserving group of Islanders to receive this honour.” – Social Development and Housing Minister Matthew Mackay

Pieter was one of six Island Seniors who were awarded the Senior Islander of the Year for 2022.  (See P.E.I. presents Senior Islanders of the Year awards for 2022 | SaltWire https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/news/local/pei-presents-senior-islanders-of-the-year-awards-for-2022-100786273/)

…Pieter with his guests….

CIMG5962 Oct 21 2022 Pieter & guests after Sr Islander Of Year award ceremony

Pieter was allowed to invite 5 guests.  From left to right: Mike Smith, the Hon. Matthew Mackay, Daria and Pieter, Annie Lee and Elmer MacDonald.  Missing from the photo: Isabel Smith.  (Photo courtesy of Valkenburg Family Collection)

A huge thank you to those who nominated and supported Pieter for this award, and to the PEI Seniors Secretariat for affirming that seniors continue to play a vital role in our society.

As his very proud wife, I was delighted that Pieter received this recognition.  I’m extremely proud of him for his incredible work in bringing history to life by telling the stories of individuals who served in WW1 and WW2. 

If you have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

…Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

You are invited to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw. 

© Daria Valkenburg