December 20, 2012
Orangeville, ON – On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, David Tilson, Member of Parliament, Dufferin–Caledon, today announced support of up to $50,000 for a project in Orangeville, Ontario. This funding, provided through the Community War Memorial Program, will help to construct the new Bravery Park Monument, which is part of a larger community effort to transform Orangeville’s Mill Square Park into a military themed park referred to as “Bravery Park.” The park will honour the bravery of all those who served and those who are still serving.
“It is our sacred duty to remember and honour Canada’s Veterans and the brave men and women in uniform who serve and have served Canada so selflessly,” said Minister Blaney. “Memorials also provide a place where Canadian Armed Forces personnel, as well as their family members, can go to find solace, comfort, and peace. They bring communities together, regardless of age, gender, race or religion. Through programs such as the Community War Memorial Program, our Government is helping to ensure that the courage and selfless devotion of those who have served our country is never forgotten.”
“Our community war memorials serve as permanent reminders that Canadians have a responsibility to remember our Veterans, the men and women still serving Canada and those who made the supreme sacrifice for their fellow citizens,” said MP Tilson. “Our Government applauds the members of the Bravery Park Committee and the Town of Orangeville for taking the initiative to build this memorial and bringing together the community to commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of our service men and women.”
The monument will pay tribute to all those brave Canadian service men and women who have served and who continue to serve in Afghanistan and other places around the world, and to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It will consist of three life-sized bronze cast figures placed onto a limestone base. A figure of a Canadian soldier in combat uniform will be kneeling next to figures of a young Afghan boy and girl. The Afghan girl is offering the soldier the gift of a butterfly, which represents rebirth and new beginnings brought about by change and transformation.
The monument will also bear a plaque inscribed with a message about bravery written by Captain Ray Wiss, who served two tours in Afghanistan as an emergency physician.
Through the Community War Memorial Program, the Government of Canada is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of Veterans and members of our armed forces by partnering with community groups and local organizations to build new cenotaphs and monuments.
Applications to the Community War Memorial Program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding to build new memorials or to make major additions to existing ones. For more information, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
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Phone: 613-992-7468
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