Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger last week announced a contribution of up to $6,265 to restore the Arthur Cenotaph, which was erected in memory of those who served and those who lost their lives in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War. He made the announcement on behalf of Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney.
“During Veterans’ Week, I encourage all Canadians to take time to remember veterans and those still serving in the Canadian Armed Forces for they have, and continue to put our beloved Canada above all else,” Blaney said. “We each have a duty to remember the sacrifices these heroes have made to allow us to live in peace today.”
“I commend Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 for providing us with a place in our community to honour our local heroes,” Schellenberger said. “Helping community groups restore local memorials is one way our government is working to ensure young Canadians and their families learn about and remember the achievements and sacrifices of our veterans.”
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 has spearheaded the restoration of the Arthur Cenotaph, which was erected in 1923. It is located in Memorial Park, at the corner of George Street and Frederick Street West. Planned restoration work, most of which has been completed, included cleaning and reinstalling four plaques, cleaning the front marble panel as well as the cap located at the top of the monument and re-pointing the monument and replacing damaged stonework.
Funding for this initiative is provided through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program. Through this program, the Government of Canada works in partnership with community groups and local organizations to ensure that cenotaphs and monuments honouring our nation’s heroes are conserved to the highest standard of care and dignity.
Applications to this program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding. For more information, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
