The newly installed armed forces tribute was designed by Steve Payton, made by Sanderson’s Monuments, and honours men and women who have served in conflicts and wars since the great wars.
Hub Staff
A new patriotic maple leaf monument for veterans and those who continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces was unveiled during a ceremony at the Port Elgin cenotaph August 20 by Port Elgin Legion Branch 340 members.
The downtown cenotaph, which was constructed in 2006, had previous monuments dedicated to those who have served in the Boer War, WWI, WWII and Korea; and now the Canadian Leaf Monument pays tribute to the men and women who have served in conflicts in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Syria “and other peace keeping missions,” said veteran Comrade Mike Atkinson. “We must thank all our veterans, not only today but for every day of their service to our country and keeping us save,” he said.
Legion Padre Reverend Chuck Beaton said the stone is for those who were called to act. “Our memorial stone today is small but it’s very beautiful and it takes place alongside the great monuments. So whether the stone is large or small does not matter because each one reminds us that this is sacred space, the names of our people are here to help us not to forget their sacrifice.”
Veterans from the War in Afghanistan Matthew Patterson and Mike Hobson laid a wreath in front of the new red stone that reads: “Remembering the Canadian Armed Forces who have served since the great wars. Their courage, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb was in attendance alongside other dignitaries including Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith, Huron-Bruce MPP representative John McPhee and Eric Ross, Deputy District Commander for Zone C, Royal Canadian Legion.
Lobb thanked those who have served Canada as well as Legion members who “stand up for our veterans, help our veterans and are there with them through thick and thin.”
Mayor Mike Smith reiterated the importance of remembering those who have served. “Everything we have today is a result of those people who have sacrificed and continue to serve and so we take this opportunity today to really say ‘Thank you’... and congratulate you on a wonderful looking memorial.”
Following the dignitary addresses, Legion Branch 340 President Dan Kelly thanked the Town of Saugeen Shores, the Royal Canadian Legion, the community and the cenotaph committee and said that it gave him “great pride and joy” to be involved in the rededication of the cenotaph. “This cenotaph now recognizes all of our armed forces, old, young as well as those who are still active today.” Kelly also laid a wreath in tribute of those who fought in the battle of Dieppe which occurred 75 years ago.
The Maple Leaf monument was designed by Steve Payton and made by Sanderson’s Monuments in Owen Sound.
Veterans from the War in Afghanistan, Michael Hobson (left) and Matthew Patterson, salute the new maple leaf monument at the Port Elgin Cenotaph August 20.
Port Elgin Legion Branch 340 Colour Guard during the ceremony August 20.
During the tribute, Reverend Chuck Beaton reminded everyone that the cenotaph is a sacred space in which to remember.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith August 20 at the Port Elgin Cenotaph.
Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb speaking at the tribute August 20.
