Excerpts from the Semi-Weekly Post of Tuesday, October 25th, 1921:
''The Thorold War Memorial, located in Memorial Park, was unveiled on Sunday, October 30, 1921 at 2:30 p.m. and was erected by the citizens of Thorold to: Honour the Memory of the Men of Thorold, who gave their lives for the cause of freedom in the Great War, and in grateful remembrance of those who shared its dangers.
The unveiling ceremony, held on a beautiful day before an immense crowd, was given particular poignancy by the fact that the current mayor, F.G. Grisdale, was barely able to speak during his address. Two of the names on the monument were those of his own sons. The memorial was unveiled by Lieut.-Col. Donald Sharp, who organized the 176th regiment and spent several years overseas.
The memorial is a massive and magnificent construction, some seventeen feet high over all, on a triple base. The funds to build the War Memorial were raised by the Thorold Reed Band, under the leadership of Mr. W.A. Philip. The beautiful 16 page programme to be distributed by the committee will contain the portraits of nearly all the foregoing, not all the pictures being available.
The Memorial Committee comprised of: Joseph Battle, Chairman and a former mayor; A.B. Begg; Leslie McMann; T.A. Weldon; D. Daverin; P.R. Warner; Roger Strong; George Burley; Capt. F.S. Speck; Winsor Philip; W.A. Hutt, Secretary.''
The War Memorial is a landmark in the city and an important part of its history. It shows the reverence and respect of the whole community for those citizens who served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their names live forever on the memorial, and are enshrined in the history of the city.
Later a monument bearing the names of those from Thorold who died during the Second World War and the Korean War was added to the park. Designation of this monument under the Ontario Heritage Act serves to recognize, protect and celebrate this landmark as an important part of history and as a dedication to those who fought for freedom. Tribute is paid to Thorold's fallen heroes each year on Decoration Day and Remembrance Day.
