By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Following two years of restoration and upgrades, Chatham’s cenotaph has been rededicated.
And a bright new mural depicting local war heroes was also unveiled at the ceremony at Memorial Square Aug. 24.
According to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 president Len Maynard, the goal of the project is to commemorate the site’s “sacred ground,” and raise awareness about the people who have served in the Canadian war effort.
“We wanted to do something so the public could see what it’s all about,” he told The Voice. “People think it’s a war memorial but it’s a peace memorial. It honours the Canadians who paid the price for freedom. We want to honour them every day of the week, not just Nov. 11.
“I am thrilled that we as a community have made a stand to protect this monument and its history and meaning.”
Part of the Gathering Our Heroes Project, the mural showcases the images of five veterans. Adjacent to the art is a sign with their names and a scanning code where people can delve further into the history of each individual.
The idea of renewing the cenotaph started two years ago, following acts of vandalism on the monument. Maynard got together with Mayor Darrin Canniff, who along with Coun. Bro k McGregor, made funding available through the Hydro One Community Fund.
Now there’s a new iron fence, spotlights and cameras protecting the King Street marker that’s steeped in history.
After the horrors of the First World War, the community, with the support of the City of Chatham, came together to construct the cenotaph. The initiative was led by the 24th Regiment Kent IODE and the First Presbyterian Church.
As well, during the War of 1812, the area is where the British militia and Chief Tecumseh and his braves, held the line fighting off advancing American forces.
Maynard said he hopes that education about the military will continue, noting the public doesn’t realize the “sacrifice” people serving in the military make during modern day tasks, conflicts and duties.
“No one wants war, but Canadians, local and across this great nation will always stand the line for freedom,” he said.
Spearheaded by the IODE Kent Regiment chapter, the Gathering Our Heroes, Chatham-Kent WW I and WW II Enlistments project is a collaboration between the Chatham-Kent Museum, Abstract Marketing and historian Jerry Hind, curator of the initiative.
Currently, Gathering Our Heroes has 10,143 listings in the Chatham-Kent heroes directory. The information is available on their website free of charge.
