Vernelli family now has a place to remember Scott

For the family of Master Corporal Scott Vernelli, having a granite maple leaf on the Sault Ste. Marie Walk of Fame is a poignant gesture that will help to support them through the years.

Ruth and Chuck Vernelli (shown), the parents of the first Sault-born soldier to be killed in active duty since the Korean War accepted a certificate and plaque from the Downtown Association on their son's behalf today at a ceremony on the entrance of the Essar Centre.

Corporal Vernelli is not buried in Sault Ste. Marie.

So his parents look forward to bringing his daughter Olivia, their granddaughter, to his maple leaf when she is old enough to ask questions about him.

There, they will tell her what Scott meant to his friends and neighbours in Sault Ste. Marie.

Also being recognized posthumously was Russ Ramsay, a long-time television and radio broadcaster who served his community both as an active volunteer and in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1978 to 1985. And Edie Kerr, who's become synonymous with curling in Sault Ste. Marie since the early 1950s.

Kerr was recognized today for her contributions to that, as well as her planning strategies that have become a template for what's involved in organizing a curling event.

Doreen Hume was happy to make the trip back to the Sault for the dedication of her granite maple leaf on the Walk of Fame.

The well-travelled, world-renowned coloraturo soprano has always loved returning to the city she still calls home.

At 83 she didn't appear to have much need of the microphone as she regaled the crowd at the Essar Centre with tales of how famous and loved the Sault is around the world.

Hume said this granite maple leaf and the honour it brings is the greatest she's ever received.

Her daughter Jeanne Basteries even flew up from Mexico to see her mother receive her hometown recognition.

Hume said she was happy to have any reason to come home because she always anticipates a visit to her friends and family here.

"Even while living in Britain I came back as often as I could," she said. "The thing I missed most while away was camping."

Her favourite spot?

Trout Lake, of course.

Click here to learn more about this year's inductees to the Downtown Association Sault Ste. Marie Walk of Fame.