Preserving our history and honouring our heroes
Markham dedicates Veterans Square and Cenotaph
MARKHAM, ON - June 11, 2018 - On Saturday, June 9, the City of Markham unveiled the revitalized Veterans Square and Cenotaph in historic Markham Village to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada's freedom.
“In Markham, we believe in preserving our heritage and paying tribute to the brave men and women who selflessly serve, many paying the ultimate price, while ensuring future generations will never forget,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "We owe a great deal of gratitude to our veterans and now, as a community, we can continue to show our deep appreciation and respect in a welcoming and inclusive space created for peace, reflection and education."
The Government of Canada, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), provided $950,000 for the transformation of this important civic space into a vibrant, multi-functional site with a rehabilitated cenotaph and adjoining Veterans Square.
"It is vital that our community has a place where we can gather together to honour the sacrifices of our Veterans, not only on Remembrance Day, but each and every day," says the Honourable Jane Philpott, MP, Markham-Stouffville. "This monument is an important place of remembrance, reflection and thanks for those who have served Canada. The restoration of the Cenotaph ensures that the stories of Markham’s brave men and women in uniform can continue to be shared with future generations, and is a fitting tribute to the many local residents who gave their lives for our freedom. The Government of Canada is proud to have supported this revitalization project, and congratulates the City of Markham on its completion."
The City of Markham is committed to preserving the history of our community and commemorating the immeasurable contributions of our military personnel. This important memorial square has been revitalized as an accessible and functional gathering place to reflect on Markham's history and pay respect to our heroes.
"We humbly honour those who served and continue to serve and through their selfless dedication, place themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, our country and our way of life," says Stu Kellock, Markham District Veterans Association. "It has been a privilege to be part of the evolution of Veterans Square and I wish for everyone to take the time to visit, contemplate, be inspired and remember - that the freedoms we enjoy today are not without cost."
A key piece of this project was to preserve the original cenotaph and the war memorial inside Markham Village Public Library. The site has now been transformed with a newly rehabilitated cenotaph and adjoining Veterans Square to commemorate Markham's war veterans.
PHOTOS
Over 300 guests gathered at Veterans Square and Cenotaph on Saturday to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for Canada's freedom.
Left to right: John Chalmers, President of Markham District Veterans Association; Honourable Jane Philpott, MP Markham-Stouffville; Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti; Stu Kellock, Markham District Veterans Association unveil the plaque dedication at Veterans Square and Cenotaph.
Click here to view more event photos
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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.
For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.