MOREWOOD, ON– The volunteer efforts to renovate and enhance the cenotaph and monument in Morewood has received a significant funding boost with a contribution of up to $25,000 from Veterans Affairs Canada through the Commemorative Partnership Program.
The restoration efforts will be coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the complete monument’s unveiling in 1921, including the statue of Captain Ernest Glasgow. A rededication ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 10th once further COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted to allow the local community to attend and participate in the service.
The volunteer committee has been working on the project for over 18 months. The Township of North Dundas supported the restoration with a significant donation to kick-off the fundraising campaign. Numerous fundraising events and initiatives have helped meet their goal: online Go Fund Me donation page ($2,000), online auction ($2,000), and a take-out ham dinner with Christ Church United at the Chesterville Legion ($2,000).
The restoration and enhancement project is estimated to cost just $63,000 and will include:
- cleaning, examining and ensuring the structural integrity of the monument;
- repairing the damaged First World War plaque;
- adding a small plaque for a Morewood soldier whose name is currently missing; and
- adding 20 granite pillars along the outside of the walkway around the cenotaph with images of the soldiers etched on top.
Another granite pillar will be added in recognition of those who returned from conflict zones and who would later pass as a result of their service. The new pillar will bear the inscription, “In memory of those who returned who would later succumb to physical or mental diseases or wounds – We Will Remember Them.”
Quotes
“I am so pleased that Veterans’ Affairs Canada has supported this project to celebrate one hundred years for our well-recognized Cenotaph in the centre of town, but it is also great to report that our community has showed their responsibility and gratitude once again by getting involved quickly with very generous donations that completed our fundraising in record time.”
– Morewood Cenotaph Committee Chair Bill Smirle
“We are very fortunate that the local volunteers have done such a fantastic job raising funds and finding a nice way to both refurbish and enhance the already stunning cenotaph in Morewood. The Commemorative Partnership Program has been a long-standing program at Veterans Affairs Canada and it is great to see federal support coming to this worthwhile milestone project.”
– Eric Duncan, Member of Parliament (Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry)
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For further information, please contact:
Adrian Bugelli
Executive Assistant, Office of MP Eric Duncan
(613) 937-3331
Bill Smirle
Chair, Morewood Cenotaph Committee
Cell: (613) 806-3169
