The Colborne First World War Cenotaph was unveiled on August 26, 1921 and included a performance by the Cobourg Citizen's Band. The Sir John Colborne chapter of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE), under the presidency of Mrs. R. Snetsinger, led the drive to complete the First World War memorial. Mr. Corby of Brighton completed the installation of the 13-foot-high memorial on July 28, 1921.
There are 113 names engraved in the granite base of the sculpture of “The Canadian Soldier” honouring those killed in action or service as well as 90 local men who served and survived.
Community and service groups, with the support of the local municipal council, raised funds to purchase a life-sized white Italian white marble statue of a First World War soldier mounted on a grey granite base then, black granite sub-base. Details of where the actual statue originated are still unconfirmed.
In 2014, the Cenotaph Restoration Committee oversaw the cleaning and refurbishment of both the First World War and Second World War Cenotaphs. A concrete pad was placed in a rectangular shape around both monuments and paving stones, furniture, planters, and lighting were added. The fountain separating the two cenotaphs was upgraded. The new walkways are rimmed with memorial paving stones purchased by families and friends of people they wish commemorated.
The project was funded by Veterans Affairs Canada, with donations from the public and the Township of Cramahe to cover the project’s cost. The two Colborne war cenotaphs were rededicated on May 22, 2016.
