Cenotaph renewal project proceeds brick by brick

Volunteers restoring the cenotaph in Creemore are getting ready to brick the pad around the memorial, in time for Remembrance Day.

The Cenotaph Renewal Project team has raised $2,000 toward its $3,600 goal.

There is now a push to raise the funds to pay for the interlocking brick. The installation is scheduled to begin today.

“To me, remembrance is an issue that should be important to everyone in our community. I don’t think we can do enough to draw attention to acknowledging, admiring, and respecting the sacrifice that our armed forces personnel have made, and are making, to preserve our way of life. Lest We Forget should not be just a one-day event,” said David Johnson.

Volunteers have received in-kind donations of topsoil from Triple J Tree Farm, wood for framing from Hamilton Brothers and the use of a compactor from Stayner Rental.

Johnson said Clearview Township, specifically CAO Stephen Sage, has been very responsive, contributing labour and Bob Ransier, Creemore’s handyman, and Stewie Patterson provided essential support with equipment and expertise when it was needed most. It is expected that sod will be laid in the spring.

2014 is the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War.

The cenotaph displays some of the names of the Creemore and area men who died in the first and second world wars.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so at the TD Bank (account 5208418) or call 705-466-6317.