June 26, 2013
St. George, ON – On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, today announced a contribution of up to $20,000 in support of a project in St. George, Ontario. This funding, provided through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, will assist in the restoration of the St. George Cenotaph.
“It is our sacred duty to remember and honour the brave men and women who served Canada so selflessly. The memorials we build and restore today will forever reflect our nation’s gratitude to the generations of Canadians who allow us to live in peace and freedom,” said Minister Blaney. “Our Government is proud to support projects that help honour and remember the sacrifices of our Veterans and our service men and women.”
“Cenotaphs such as this one serve as lasting reminders of the achievements and contributions of those men and women who served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice,” said MP McColeman. “I commend the South Dumfries Historical Society for taking the initiative and leading the restoration project of this cenotaph. Your dedication and hard work in ensuring that the memory of our Veterans is not forgotten is truly inspiring.”
Led by the South Dumfries Historical Society, the restoration of the St. George Cenotaph included refinishing two bronze plaques, replacing the cenotaph base and walkway, as well as purchasing and installing two black granite benches and a new memorial sign. This monument is dedicated to those who died in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.
Through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, the Government of Canada works in partnership with community groups and local organizations to ensure that cenotaphs and monuments honouring our nation’s heroes are conserved to the highest standard of care and dignity.
Applications to this 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. For more information, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
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