Memorial Arch to Honour Sacrifice of Canadian Soldiers During Great War
News Release
Government of Canada contribution helps mark sacred ground where Nova Scotia went to war from 1914 to 1918
Halifax, N.S. - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $16,341 in the Army Museum Halifax Citadel to support the creation of “The Last Steps Memorial Arch.” The Arch will be located on Halifax’s Waterfront to mark the location where tens of thousands of Canadian soldiers took their last steps on home soil before heading to war from 1914 to 1918.
The project is designed to raise awareness of the significant service and sacrifice of Canada's soldiers during the First World War. The location will also commemorate the location’s role as a gateway to Europe for the vast majority of units and battalions from across the country—including more than 1,000 soldiers from the 25th Battalion Nova Scotia Rifles, a precursor to the current Nova Scotia Highlanders.
In addition to the fabrication of the commemorative arch, the non-repayable investment, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, also supports material purchase including Kisbee Rings (life ring bouys); the creation of a concrete pad, support structure, and gangway; the engraving of soldier boot prints; and, website and graphic design work.
The Army Museum Halifax Citadel will hold an official ceremony to unveil the completed memorial arch on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The unveiling will take place on the pier in front of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic—adjacent to CSS Acadia. The event will include remarks from Nancy Keating, the local artist who designed the memorial.
Quotes:
“Much of what makes Canada the place that it is today, is due, in large part, to the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Great War. Investments such as this, which are equal parts commemorative and educational, foster a greater understanding among Canadians of the importance of the war on the country’s history, people and legacy. From 2014 to 2020, Canada is marking the centennial of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the Second World War. Through our support, we acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our veterans, we foster an increased appreciation of the impact of the wars on the Canadian identity, and we encourage an increased sense of pride among our citizens.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“As the home of Canada’s Atlantic Fleet, and the site of an explosion that claimed the lives of 2,000 and injured 9,000 more—when a munitions-laden ship bound for war exploded in its Harbour—Halifax’s military roots run deep. The Last Steps Memorial Arch is a welcome and fitting tribute to our military history and to those who fought for our freedoms—too many paying the ultimate price.”
- Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax
“The Last Steps project brings both the artistic community and the Army Museum together in a joint effort to commemorate our heritage as it relates to the centennial of the First World War. The memorial arch will enhance the public space along the Halifax waterfront and provide a focus for locals and visitors to reflect on the heavy price that Nova Scotia and Canada paid during the Great War.”
- Ken Hynes, Curator, The Army Museum Halifax Citadel
Associated Links:
Contacts:
| Alex Smith |
Major (retired) Ken Hynes |
Background
The Army Museum Halifax Citadel: The Army Museum Halifax Citadel is a not-for-profit heritage society that oversees the operation and management of the Army Museum located in the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Opened to the public in 1953, the museum is run by volunteer veterans and welcomes approximately 75,000 visitors per year.
The museum houses one of the foremost military artifact collections in Canada with the majority of the collection having been donated by the people of Nova Scotia. In 2014, the museum opened an exhibition to commemorate the centennial of the First World War. Entitled “The Road to Vimy and Beyond,” the exhibition features a web site, static displays, guides, and a First World War Walking Tour of Halifax. In the two years since unveiling the exhibition, visitation to the museum has increased by 15,000.
The 25th Battalion, Nova Scotia Rifles: The 25th Battalion, Nova Scotia Rifles, was the first complete infantry unit raised in this province to leave Nova Scotia and embark on overseas service on 20 May 1915. Over the course of the War, 350,000 Canadian troops sailed from Halifax to an uncertain future. Of that number, 67,000 died in Belgium and France. The lives of those who returned to Canada were changed forever. 30,000 Nova Scotians volunteered for military and naval service and 3,400 didn’t come home.
Nancy Keating: Nancy Keating, the artist who designed the Last Steps Memorial Arch, is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design (NSCAD), holds an advanced certificate from the Banff School of Fine Art, and has been an arts administrator for over 30 years.
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