Legacy of local Kamloops Veterans of First and Second World Wars, Korean War and Canada's military mission in Afghanistan preserved

MP Cathy McLeod announces Government of Canada support for the Memorial Hill Park Cenotaph in honour of the 100^th anniversary of the beginning of First World War

KAMLOOPS, BC, Nov. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, today announced Government of Canada support for the restoration and beautification of the Memorial Hill Park Cenotaph and surrounding area. MP McLeod made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

In honour of the 100^th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, the restoration, organized by the Kamloops Museum and Archives, will include cleaning the cenotaph, expanding the concrete pad, repairing the clocks located on the monument and installing new walkways, a ramp and in-ground lighting. To enhance this local site of remembrance, new decorative fencing and benches will be added and the area will be fully landscaped. Plaques that honour those who served in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War and Canada's mission in Afghanistan will also be refurbished and remounted.

Quick Facts

• The Kamloops Museum and Archives is receiving $25,000, through Veterans Affairs Canada's Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, for the restoration of the Memorial Hill Park Cenotaph.
• Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided $4.5 million through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program to ensure that cenotaphs and monuments to Canada's Veterans and war dead are preserved.
• Across the country, there are more than 6,000 local cenotaphs and monuments dedicated to Canada's war dead and Veterans.
• For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's commemorative activities and programs, please visit veterans.gc.ca. 

Quotes

"Honouring and commemorating the heroic acts of generations of men and women who have served our nation is a duty bestowed on all Canadians. Our Government is pleased to support organizations that pay tribute to our Veterans' service and sacrifices."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"I thank the Kamloops Museum and Archives for ensuring that this cenotaph will preserve the memory of the fallen for future generations."
Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo

 "We are grateful to the Government of Canada for its financial support in helping us to preserve the lasting memory and selfless actions of our local Veterans, while honouring the 100^th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War."
Julia Cyr, Museum Supervisor, Kamloops Museum and Archives

Associated Links

• Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program
• World Wars Commemoration period

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468