The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire was formed in 1900 in Fredericton, New Brunswick to promote patriotism, loyalty and service to others. Chapters were formed in quick succession across Canada. In 1915, the Pro Patria Chapter and St. Clair Chapter were formed in Sarnia. This patriotic women's charitable organization has funded food, clothing and medical supplies for troops and prisoners of war; donated relief supplies for victims of war; built and run hospitals; raised money for ambulances, hospital ships, a Bolingbrok bomber and a fighter aircraft; established libraries, canteens and accommodations for servicemen; and "adopted" ships. In Sarnia, the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire adopted HMCS Mahone, a Royal Canadian Navy Banger-class minesweeper with a crew of eighty-three. In peacetime, Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire members volunteer with and for people, focusing on children, education and community services working to improve the quality of life for those in need.
The plaque honouring those who died in the First World War was donated in 1928 by the Sarnia Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire. The plaque was first located in the foyer of the Carnegie Library, which stood until 1961, near the location where the memorial now sits.
In November 2019, the plaque was cleaned and restored as part of a Sarnia Historical Society and Sarnia Royal Canadian Legion project.
