Efforts underway to rejuvenate Cenotaph
In August 1914, the British Empire, which included Canada, issued a call to arms to combat Germany’s invasion of Austria. Expecting a short and glorious war, enthusiasm was high. But then reality set in. The First World War lasted four years. For a nation of only eight million people, Canada’s war effort was remarkable. 620,000 men and women served; 66,655 gave their lives and another 172,950 were wounded. It was this immense sacrifice that lead to Canada’s separate signature on the Treaty of Versailles. Our returning troops were greeted enthusiastically and welcomed back into the community. Memorials and Cenotaphs were established in numerous places across the country.
Throughout the British Commonwealth, “Remembrance Day” commemorates the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 am on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Remembrance Day (originally called “Armistice Day”) was first observed in 1919. From 1921 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. In 1931, Alan Neill, Member of Parliament for Comox-Alberni, introduced a bill to observe Armistice Day only on November 11. Passed by the House of Commons, the bill also changed the name to “Remembrance Day.” The first Remembrance Day was observed on November 11, 1931.
Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. We remember the more than 1.5 million Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, for the rest of the year, it is all too easy to forget about the contribution Canadians, including people from our community, made during the First World War and several other conflicts since then. Here in Creemore our Cenotaph has changed: additions have been made due to more wars, and it has been moved at least four times. Nonetheless, our Cenotaph sits barely noticed for almost all the year.
Last year, a community-based project approved by the Legion Board was initiated to rehabilitate the Creemore Cenotaph site. The first step was taken to unmask the monument by removing the overgrown plant life. As a result, the monument has begun to resume its rightful position as the focal point of the Cenotaph site.
This year, the project’s goal is to further enhance the entire site with a long-term, low- to no-maintenance solution. A plan has been prepared to “hardscape” the area surrounding the cenotaph. The mound will be reduced and levelled, a retaining wall will be constructed, and interlocking stone will be installed. Ultimately, to facilitate mowing by the municipality, the surrounding lawn will be reestablished up to the base of the wall.
What does our Cenotaph mean to you? Is it simply a granite column inscribed with a bunch of forgotten people’s names? Is it a meaningful way to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice made by volunteers from our community? Or is it merely an eyesore?
One might consider this article a “Centennial Call to Arms.” Our community needs you. If you would like to participate in this community effort to help finish restoring our Cenotaph, either physically or financially, please contact either David Bruce Johnson (705-466-6317) or Norm Nordstrom (705-466-6748). All support will be most welcome.
