This memorial was an expansion to the existing cenotaph and was dedicated to all Veterans on September 18, 2021. The expansion included two granite memorial walls where the names of deceased Veterans from Branch 564 were inscribed. The memorial walls are updated annually.
The project was the vision of Cde. Eddie Thompson, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 564 1st Vice-President, who felt Veterans deserved better. Eddie costed out the project, formed a cenotaph committee, and hit the ground running securing a government grant of $25,000.00 from Veterans Affairs Canada under the Commemorative Partnership Program. He reached out to numerous community partners, such as good friend Dario Zulich, to support the project with donations of cash, goods and/or services. Eddie ran a successful fundraising campaign exceeding his target of paver stone sales to help offset the overall cost of the project.
Despite health challenges, Eddie forged ahead with perseverance and resilience never giving up on his Legion, the Veterans, or this project. In the true spirit of comradeship, the Branch 564 Executive, their membership, and community partners came together to assist Eddie in bringing the project to fruition.
The memorial was made accessible to Veterans with mobility issues by incorporating paver stone walkways and platforms. The memorial is not only symbolic in fostering Remembrance but serves as a gathering place for Veterans, service personnel, Legionnaires, civic leaders, the community, and local cadet corps to participate in acts of Remembrance throughout the year. Youth can also take inspiration in carrying the torch of Remembrance.
