Fitting tribute
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: November 02, 2009 9:22 AM
When it was announced earlier this year that the cenotaph at Keith Wilson and Vedder Road would be refurbished, there was some skepticism. There was concern that the work would disturb what many view as sacred ground; that it may fail to measure up to the memory the site is meant to preserve, or the honour it is meant to show those who have given their lives in Canada’s past conflicts.
The work done so far shows those concerns were unfounded.
Indeed, as Sgt.-Major (retired) Jim Harris tells The Progress, the work done by Canada Lands is outstanding.
“Canada Lands really stepped up big for this one. And speaking for the retired military in this area, we are so very, very grateful,” he says. (See story, page 1.)
When CFB Chilliwack closed more than a decade ago, there was some question about the fate of the cenotaph. And as years past and uncertainty continued, there were complaints that the park was not being maintained in a manner that befitted its rich heritage.
The cenotaph was originally opened in 1946 by then base commander Lt.-Col. Coulson Norman Mitchell.
Mitchell, who had been awarded the Victoria Cross in the First World War, wanted a lasting memorial to the engineers – or “sappers” – who had given their lives in previous conflicts.
(Engineers can suffer disproportionate casualties during a battle because they are often sent in to clear the way for the approaching army. During the invasion of Normandy, for example, engineers defused the explosives that topped the obstacles aimed at preventing landing craft from reaching the beach.)
Since then, the cenotaph has taken its place in Chilliwack’s venerable collection of heritage sites.
The work and dedication of those charged with its restoration has ensured that it will remain there for generations to come.
v2
