The importance of the Cenotaph

To promote Remembrance, Royal Canadian Legions erect Cenotaphs across Canada. They serve as gathering places for ceremonies on Remembrance Day and other Remembrance milestones throughout the year. They are important symbols of the Legion’s commitment to honouring and remembering the sacrifices of our Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, peacekeepers and their families and communities. Cenotaphs are built to honour and remember those killed in conflicts.

The Fox Creek Legion Branch #280 Cenotaph is on Kaybob Drive at the top of the hill and was initially built using plywood back in 1972 before transitioning into the rock one that sits there today. The area in which it sits is considered sacred grounds and should receive the respect and dignity it so rightly deserves.

Over the years, the Fox Creek Legions’ Cenotaph is slowly falling apart. Like any structure, it requires maintenance and upkeep for its preservation. Legion members have had many discussions over the last two years on improvement ideas while ensuring it is appropriately done with the utmost respect for the veterans and those who died serving our country.

Earlier this year, members of the Legion agreed on improvements, and envision the future transformation of the cenotaph space to have more impact and a greater sense of pride for veterans, community members, and visitors as they pay tribute and truly remember the ultimate sacrifices made for the many freedoms we have today.

Lisa Peterson, President of the Fox Creek Legion, shared the Legion’s vision for the improvements. “We plan to have an archway as you enter with a gradual sloping sidewalk lined with cement sandbags similar to the trenches guiding you to different areas of reflection and remembrance. We also hope to acquire a piece of decommissioned military equipment which we are presently getting approval for. There is no guarantee and once approved, we would be notified of the type of military surplus available; however, this is many, many months from now. We hope to place a giant poppy that will draw attention to the Cenotaph grounds and serve as a gentle reminder to take time to remember every day. The use of the poppy must be approved by the national Royal Canadian Legion as it owns the trademark and has specific guidelines to follow to maintain/preserve the respect and purpose of it.”

A quote has been received from a landscape designer and will meetings will proceed soon. The plan is to present a scaled drawing of the Cenotaph grounds to the involved parties for further approvals before construction.

Fox Creek Legion is asking residents to join them for the Remembrance Day Service November 11 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Fox Creek Community Hall. A luncheon provided by Freson Bros. will follow.