The Homecoming sculpture

Inscription

THE HOMECOMING The Benefactor Martin (Marty) Gregory, a grandson of decorated soldier Matthew Brazil, grew up with stories of the First World War and a pride in his ancestor's role with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are well known for their strong family ties. Gregory wanted to honour the members of the Regiment and their families on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. He thought a bronze statue would be a fitting and lasting memorial, but wanted a less formal soldier than is often seen across this nation. Gregory's mother, the former Clare Brazil, was one of nine children born to Matthew Brazil and Agnes Delaney in Spaniard's Bay following the war. Gregory comes from an even larger family, being the 10th of 14 children born and raised in Spaniard's Bay. A graduate of Memorial University (established as a memorial to those who lost their lives during active service in the First World War), Gregory is both a Professional and Welding Engineer. His minor studies in Economics did him well as he partnered in Bowringer Engineering Limited becoming its sole owner in 2005. An amalgamation of many firms (including Bowringer), RothLochston Constructors operates across Canada with a workforce of upwards of 700 and is a subsidiary of Bellmarts Holdings Ltd. Marty Gregory is the President and Owner of Bellmarts in this capacity. Gregory's firm donated The Homecoming to the city and province. The Sculpture The Homecoming celebrates the reuniting of a family when 'Ours' (as the Regiment was often referred by newspapers) arrived home following victory and armistice in November 1918 to pick up their lives and enjoy the freedom they all fought so hard for and that we enjoy today. Every family and town with a son or daughter who came home from the war celebrated the return and reunion, but the first touch and embrace was the dearest. These bronzes are created in the likeness of Corporal Matthew Brazil. D.C.M., M.M., C. de G. and a daughter, Clare. Photo Credit: The Evening Telegram (8 February 1919) "These young men made huge sacrifices, some with their lives, others with their health, all in the service of their country. Their families made sacrifices also, many with the loss of a loved one, all with the hardship of having a husband, son/daughter, brother/sister, or cousin participating in a war both with death and destruction. Together they celebrate the triumph of our soldiers and their families over the hardships of war." — Marty Gregory, P. Eng. Welcome Home. From inland town, from city, From hamlet, shore and bay They mustered in their thousands And gaily sailed away. They sailed away, a gallant band Of youthful form and face. The backbone of our Island Home, The flower of our race. Again a hearty welcome home We greet you everyone. For daring, pluck, endurance And for distinction won. Who nobly fought for freedom's cause And helped defeat the Hun. We give them all right royally A soldier's welcome home. E. A. Topsail, May 31st, 1919. Photo Credit: The Evening Telegram (4 June 1919) Cpl. Matthew Brazil wearing his military decorations. Photo Credit: Brazil Family Collection The Artist Morgan MacDonald was born in Corner Brook in 1981. He studied there at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College's School of Fine Arts and was introduced to the ancient practice of lost-wax bronze casting. While studying at Memorial University's School of Business, MacDonald engaged in a further three years of study as an apprentice to a master European sculptor in a fine art bronze foundry atelier. His first commissioned work was installed for the public on the shore of Quidi Vidi Lake. MacDonald became renown for his many bronze pieces depicting our culture, the military and police. Sensitive to the personal story The Homecoming holds for the Brazil and Gregory Families, MacDonald has simultaneously brought to life Matthew and Clare Brazil while freezing a joyous moment of time. Putting the finishing patina on The Homecoming Photo Credit: Newfoundland Bronze Foundry Representatives of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Regimental Association, Regimental Advisory Council and the artist celebrate the unveiling on 30 June 2018 by Mayor Danny Breen (3rd from left), Marty Gregory (3rd from right), and children. Two are descendants of veterans who had a First World War homecoming and are flanked by students from Beatrix Potter school visiting from London, England near Wandsworth Cemetery where they tend graves of the Regiment's soldiers. At ease in the background are the Signal Hill Tattoo reenactors. Photo Credit: Royal Newfoundland Regimental Association "The success of their descendants drives home the question of what might have been if so many strong and intelligent Newfoundlanders and Labradorians had not been killed in the muddy fields of Turkey, France & Belgium." — Ian Kelly, Q.C. ST. JOHN'S