ARTHUR – The 100th anniversary of the cenotaph in Arthur was celebrated in style with a ceremony in Memorial Park here on Aug. 6.
“This afternoon marks, to the day, 100 years since Memorial Park and the cenotaph were unveiled to the public,” lead event organizer Jeff McKee, told the crowd gathered for the celebration, which was coordinated by the Arthur Legion and the Arthur and Area Historical Society.
The event opened with the Arthur Legion Colour Party parading to the cenotaph and Legion president Nancy Wilson leading the group in the Act of Remembrance, an excerpt from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen.
Following a scripture reading by Reverend Kevin Cull, numerous dignitaries, including Wellington County Warden and Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox, Senator Rob Black, Perth-Wellington MP John Nater, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Ward 4 county councillor Steve O’Neill, addressed the gathering.
The Arthur Cenotaph was decorated with poppies for the 100th anniversary celebration on Aug. 6.
“This is quite a milestone. We’re here today to celebrate 100 years of this monument being in a central place in our community,” said Lennox.
“Let’s put that into perspective a little bit … This, this has been in the community for two thirds of the life of the community and I think it’s really important to recognize the longevity of it.”
Lennox continued, “This is not just a story about this monument in this community for 100 years. It’s a story about the community. Arthur has developed this recognition as Canada’s most patriotic village. Now that didn’t happen 100 years ago, that’s more recent.
“But … the level of service, the actions that allowed for that title to be given to Arthur, are also embodied in the story that comes with this beautiful cenotaph … of a community that rallied around and did what was necessary for community and country.”
Symbol of community
“So while this monument has been with us for 100 years, and we recognize those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, let’s not also forget that it is also a symbol of us, us as a community, a symbol of us doing what’s necessary,” Lennox stated.
Black, who noted the project was first proposed in 1919 and completed in 1923, said, “For a century now the Arthur cenotaph has been a central meeting place in the community, whether in times of grief or celebration of triumph, or in times of solitude.”
Black continued, “War touches us all and together we overcome it and this monument symbolizes that.
“Now, 100 years later, it continues to stand in memorial of the sacrifices of Canadians and also of the victories that have come with it, the freedoms these sacrifices have provided and the dedication as Canadians remember the lives that we’ve lost.”
“In nearly every defining moment of the First and Second World Wars, the village of Arthur was there,” said Nater.
Photos of local veterans were on display at a ceremony recognizing the 100th anniversary of the cenotaph in Arthur in Aug. 6.
“Like the field stones gathered from local farms and families to build this cenotaph, so too did the farms and families of Arthur, provide both the soldiers and support for the war effort,” the MP added.
Rae noted that “100 years ago, the residents of Arthur had a vision and the foresight to build a monument to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice since World War One.
“Over the years Memorial Park has changed. War memorials and monuments have been added to honor those who fought in the Korean War, Afghanistan and other missions around the globe. The core goal remains the same, to honour our veterans and their sacrifices,” Rae added.
The Arthur Legion Colour Party parades to the cenotaph.
O’Neill also commented on additions to the cenotaph, such as rows of crosses recognizing local veterans who sacrificed their lives in battle, and the decorations for the Aug. 6 anniversary event.
“I believe the people that were instrumental in this project would be very pleased with the results of 100 years,” O’Neill stated. “The flowers, the poppies and, of course, the crosses, truly make this cenotaph a place that is special.”
McKee explained that following the First World War, a local newspaper asked for suggestions on how to honour returning soldiers, which led to a group of women in the area banding together as the Women’s Memorial Association (WMA) and suggesting that a cenotaph and Memorial Park be considered.
Organizer Jeff McKee, left, Arthur Legion president Nancy Wilson, seated and Wellington North Mayor and Wellington County Warden Andy Lennox, right, were among those taking part in a ceremony recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Arthur Cenotaph.
“There were mostly mothers and wives of the men who had enlisted and were now returning from Europe,” said Mckee.
The cenotaph was unveiled on Aug. 6, 1923 and was turned over to the town by the WMA on in January of 1930, “along with a bond of $1,100 for perpetual upkeep,” McKee explained.
“We are so very fortunate to have this park, this special place,” he added.
Following the ceremony, a cake-cutting and social time was held at the Legion.
