Each year during Veterans’ Week, we encourage Canadians from coast to coast to coast to honour our Veterans and those who have fallen. From the great wars of the first half of the 20th century to the more modern military operations today, millions of Canadians have proudly served our country in uniform.
Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) have helped to commemorate our local veterans by funding two local projects. This year, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 has received $7,586 in funding from VAC. This funding is being used to restore and maintain the Cenotaph on Queen Street East. The monument will be cleaned and polished, and additional names from WW1 and WW2, which have been collected and vetted against the original criteria, have been added to the cenotaph. Wreaths will also be replaced by material that is more sustainable and less prone to deterioration and vandalism. This work is ongoing and expected to be complete by next summer.
Sault Ste. Marie and 49th Field Regiment RCA Historical Society has also received over $2000 to create a large-scale poppy display that has been mounted to the front of the Sault Ste. Marie Museum for Veterans’ Week 2023. This display features poppies made by Veterans, community members, youth and associated groups with the Museum.
On the eleventh hour on November 11th, Canadians across the country will gather at cenotaphs and memorials to pay tribute to those service men and women as they continue to protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. MP Sheehan encourages residents to join him and other local dignitaries at Sault Ste. Marie’s annual service this Saturday.
No two Veterans’ stories are the same. Throughout Veterans’ Week, explore the stories of those who have served our country and reflect on their contributions, courage and sacrifices. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #CanadaRemembers, or visit veterans.gc.ca/CanadaRemembers to learn more.
Quotes
“I want to thank all Saultites who have served in our Armed Forces – our veterans, those who serve today, and those no longer with us. Whether it has been in war overseas, in peacekeeping, or in protecting Canadians here at home, your bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten. I am glad that our Government has funded these local projects to ensure that your service is commemorated.”
-Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors
“Branch 25 was happy to be selected as a recipient of a Community War memorial grant from VAC. We are truly grateful for the assistance of Terry Sheehan for the assistance they provided during this process. With the support of the city of SSM historical committee, 49th FD Regt Senate and Lock City Monuments we completed a 30 year project. We were able to add 71 names missing from WWI and WWII, to the main cenotaph.
“For me after spending 41 years as a CIC officer teaching youth and 38 years as a Legion member this has been my most important work. These service members have now taken their place of honour on our cenotaph.”
-Pierre Breckenridge CD, OMC, President 25 Legion
“Across many generations, brave Canadians have given so much in times of war, military conflict and peace. Every year, we pause to remember those who have and continue to serve our country. These brave Canadians deserve our recognition, our support and our gratitude. We honour their courage today, and we will continue to honour their courage and their sacrifices for generations to come. Lest we forget.”
-The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Quick Facts
Associated Links
