The Veteran

The Veteran

Brampton, Ontario

Type

Other

In the Year of the Veteran, 2005, artist Jim Menken carved The Veteran out of dying red oak that had stood for over a century. It was modelled after local Second World War veteran Bill Bettridge.

In 2012, major cracks from water damage in the statue were noted, and Menken determined the wood was too severely damaged to repair. He re-carved the sculpture out of Ash hardwood. The Veteran was relocated to the northeast corner park, installed on a concrete base and unveiled on October 26, 2013.

Inscription

[plaque]

THE VETERAN
Jim Menken
2005

The Veteran is modeled on Bill Bettridge, a
decorated local veteran of World War II. Looking
towards the Brampton Cenotaph, is stands in
tribute to Bramptonians who have served and
continue to serve our nation around the world so
that we may live in freedom.

Commissioned by the City of Brampton at the request of Mayor Susan Fennell, in
association with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branches 13 and 609.

[plaque]

The Veteran

The Veteran was carved in 2005 in honour of the National
Year of the Veteran, from the trunk of a dying red oak that
had stood for over a century.

The statue is modeled on Bill Bettridge, a decorated Veteran of
World War II and survivor of Operation Overlord, the D-Day
landing in Normandy, France that ultimately lead to the end
of the war. It stands in silent tribute to the many men and
women of Brampton who served and continue to serve our
nation in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions around
the world so that we may live in freedom and in peace.

The Veteran is looking toward the Brampton Cenotaph,
reminding all of Brampton's citizens that we have a duty to
honour the service, sacrifice, and the memory of all Veterans.

Carved by Jim Menken, this statue was commissioned by the
City of Brampton a the request of Mayor Susan Fennell, in
association with Branches 15 and 609 of the Royal Canadian
Legion, and with the community support of ECLYPSE Youth
Drop-in Centre a program of Rapport Youth & Family Services.