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SARNIA LEGION BRANCH 62

Shine a Light on Veterans Park

We are sending this on behalf of the Sarnia Historical Society with whom we are partnering with on this event.  

The Sarnia Historical Society in partnership with the Sarnia Legion Br 62 is proud to announce the 100 year Rededication of the Sarnia Cenotaph.  

When
: Saturday, October 30, 2021,
Time: 4:45pm, 
Location: Veterans Park in downtown Sarnia (MAP LINK)

Outraged by the recently-discovered vandalism of the Sarnia Cenotaph, the Sarnia Historical Society (SHS) announced a massive campaign designed to flood the park with protective lighting and surveillance.  

Articles regarding the vandalism to the Cenotaph:

https://www.theobserver.ca/news/local-news/cenotaph-statue-to-be-removed-for-repairs
https://london.ctvnews.ca/outrage-in-sarnia-ont-as-city-s-cenotaph-desecrated-1.5377990
https://thesarniajournal.ca/opinion-vandalism-of-cenotaph-soldier-an-insult-to-community/

https://thesarniajournal.ca/sarnia-cenotaph-vandalized/
https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/rifle-ripped-from-soldiers-statue-atop-sarnias-cenotaph


Society president Cory Burke said that the SHS would need to raise $100,000 to implement the planned changes.  Shortly after this announcement, John Swart, President of the Sarnia Lambton Building and Construction Trades Council, reached out to the SHS directly to assist with the fundraising initiative.  Through Swarts extensive efforts, the SHS is proud to announce that the fundraising goals have been achieved. 
 

Pictured here: IBEW 530 Sarnia Electricians Retiree's club

John Swart was overwhelmed with the community support, financial contributions, and volunteerism.  "It truly was a community effort" said Swart.  "Unions and trade organizations were engaged early and either wrote a cheque or volunteered staff.  You name it, electrical, cranes, cement work, carpentry, engineering, the list goes on and on.  So many moving parts with a condensed timeline, there was a lot happening.  Fortunately, we all understood the importance of this task and everyone came together. The final product is stunning and the citizens of our community will be proud of this for years to come." 

Frank Harris, business agent for IBEW Local 530 had about a dozen active and retired electricians volunteer their time to the park lighting effort.

Janice McMichael-Dennis, president of Bluewater Power called the lighting plan “a very special project honouring our community veterans. She said that her company takes great pride in supporting select and worthy community projects, and also donated towards the campaign. 

Mammoet crane working along side Memorial Restorations Inc to remove 'Tommy'

Earlier in the summer, the 'Tommy' statue was removed.  Repair and refurbishment took place and the statue will be returned to its rightful watch, atop of the Sarnia Cenotaph, next week before the rededication event.       

Remembrance Day this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Cenotaph. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 is hosting a rededication ceremony at the Cenotaph on Saturday, October 30 at 4:45pm to rededicate the Cenotaph with a plaque unveiling.

Les Jones, President of Sarnia Legion Branch 62 said "We have invited community leaders and the volunteers involved in the lighting project to our ceremony to reveal the new plaque, reintroduce Tommy to its newly lit park and give a personal thanks to all involved,"

If you are planning on attending this event, please RSVP to President of Sarnia Historical Society, Cory Burke at cory@sarniahistoricalsociety.com 

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