The Cross of Sacrifice was presented to the City of Guelph by the Victoria-Guelph Chapter of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire in June of 1925. It was erected to commemorate those who died while serving during the First World War and was dedicated by the local Chapter of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire on land originally owned by Canadian National Railways. The cross now honours those who died in both War Wars, the Korean War and peacekeeping missions.
The Cross of Sacrifice, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield in 1918, is one of two iconic features designed by Commonwealth War Graves Commission architects. Crosses of Sacrifice are found around the world in Commission cemeteries and in public cemeteries. The Cross of Sacrifice is an imposing bronze medieval longsword, blade down, on a stark white cross. It is one of the most enduring symbols of the bravery and sacrifice made by the men and women of the Commonwealth during the World Wars.
