DEBERT – Camp Debert, one of the most important Canadian military bases in World War II, should never be forgotten, said newly elected Debert Military Museum president Gordon Weatherby.

The camp, which now serves as the museum, was known mostly as a staging area for troops before they shipped overseas during the war. It also was used for training, and had three or four thousand soldiers pass through per month.

“We should all be interested in our past and the purpose of this museum is to encourage people to remember what was done for us,” said the retired Truro businessmen of the 500,000 men who stayed at the camp. “Remember the people who were at Debert.”

Weatherby, 74, had been a member of the museum for 10 years, serving on the executive committee for the past five years.

Born and raised in Truro, the founder of Weatherby’s hardware was also a military historian, artifact collector and 37-year member of the Air Cadets, where he became a Commanding Officer.

Former museum president Sheila Crowe believes Weatherby is an excellent choice for the job.

“He’s well known in the area,” said Crowe. “There is a passion you have to have for keeping the history alive and Gord definitely has that.”

With the museum having received $50,000 from CoRTA for repairs this spring, Weatherby is very optimistic about the future of the facility and believes its best years are straight ahead.

“It’s just starting to come to a head now,” said the retired businessman.

The museum initially opened in 1998 and is a not-for-profit organization. Admission is free, however donations are welcomed. It is operated strictly by fundraising, general donations, memorial donations, memberships and grants.