The Mahone Bay Soldiers' Monument Committee was founded shortly after the end of the First World War. Its chairman, Reverend Canon E.A. Harris, Rector of St. James Parish, Rural Dean of Lunenburg, also designed the memorial. The Mahone Bay Cenotaph was constructed on May 24, 1923, in loving memory of the brave men of this district who laid down their lives in the First World War. The monument was erected and paid for by the citizens of the town and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 49, Mahone Bay, cleans and maintains it. It was unveiled on May 24, 1923, by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia MacCallum Grant.
The cenotaph was carved and erected by Mr. A.T. Dauphnee of the Shelburne Granite Works. The massive rough hewn base of granite reminds us of the strong and hardy character of Nova Scotia's sons. Surmounting the base, a Celtic Cross tells of the real inspiration of their heroic bravery and unselfish love. The Circle of Eternity is around its arms with symbols that speak to us of the late great strife. On the face of the Cross is boldly carved the mighty sword of Justice piercing the head of the Serpent that writhes about it. Guile and injustice and brutal force strove for the mastery, but the God of Justice gave the victory to us.
Inscriptions were added later for the Second World War and Korean War.
