New memorial garden dedicated to SLt Abbigail Cowbrough

New memorial garden dedicated to SLt Abbigail Cowbrough

Par Joanie Veitch,
Équipe du trident

A memorial flower garden in honour of SLt Abbigail Cowbrough was officially dedicated on July 30 at the Veteran Farm Project in Sweet’s Corner, NS — a veteran-run organization that grows farm produce for food packages delivered weekly to veterans and families in need.

With about 25 attendees gathered under tents during heavy rain, Jessica Miller, who owns the farm along with her husband Steve Murgatroyd, began the ceremony by welcoming the guests — including S1 Shane Cowbrough, father to SLt Cowbrough; other military personnel; Kody Blois, MP for the Kings-Hants area; representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion; and farm staff and volunteers.

Describing the Veteran Farm Project and how it has evolved into a healing space for women veterans who volunteer at the farm, Miller said the idea of a creating garden in Sub-Lt Cowbrough’s memory seemed a natural fit.

SLt Cowbrough died on April 29, 2020, when the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter she was on crashed into the sea off the coast of Greece, while returning to HMCS tragique after a training flight as part of Operation REASSURANCE

Five other CAF members also died in the Stalker 22 crash: Capt Kevin Hagen, Capt Brenden MacDonald, Capt Maxime Miron-Morin, Master Cpl Matthew Cousins, and SLt Matthew Pyke.

Reflecting on her own military experience as a former medic on board navy ships, serving 21 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, Miller said she felt a kinship with SLt Cowbrough and was deeply affected by the news of her death.

“I had sailed those seas and I had flown in those helicopters. I knew what it was like to be there and I felt, as a woman, this would be a special place for her to feel safe and to be honoured,” Miller said. “This is a space for anyone who wants to come and reflect and enjoy nature; a place to think and remember her… a beautiful woman.”

Unveiling the wooden sign to officially open the memorial garden, S1 Cowbrough noted the carved image of a bird in flight, saying it holds special significance as both he and his daughter had matching tattoos of that same image.

“During Fredericton’s deployment they were able to get on shore before COVID took that away from them. Abbigail visited the town of Chania in Greece, which is where I had that tattoo done on my chest, and she got the same tattoo,” he said.

Following the ceremony, S1 Cowbrough reflected on how memorials such as this, and the many other tributes in his daughter’s honour, speak to the kind of person she was.

“Everybody thinks their kid is special. I thought that, for sure, but it’s not until you see how much of an impact she had on so many people in such a short amount of time. She just had such amazing drive and energy,” he said.

PO1 Lynn Cassidy, who attended the ceremony with Base Chief PO1 Alena Mondelli, took an opportunity between rain showers to tour the farm.

“It’s so impressive what they’re doing here and the amount of work and thought that has gone into all of this,” she said. “This garden will be a special place for people to come and remember… it’s simply beautiful.”