Melfort Legion hosts re-dedication ceremony at cenotaph

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“Those books were damaged and needed to be replaced,” Roussel said.  

New stone books at site

Melfort Legion hosts re-dedication ceremony at cenotaph

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The process began about three years ago, and it was decided the stone books needed to be replaced rather than refurbished. 

Another book of lost WWI veterans. (Image Credit: Wayne Therres/Submitted)

The ceremony on Sunday began with a marching of the colours. Roussel then made a presentation on the history of the cenotaph, which was constructed back in 1929 and was in different parts of Melfort before settling at Memorial Gardens in 2005. 

Constance Roussel during her presentation. (Image Credit: Wayne Therres/Submitted)

Speaker of the House Todd Goudy, Melfort Mayor Glenn George, and Legion Past-President Jim Graham also spoke at the event. Chaplain Glenna Cryderman followed with the Blessing, and veteran Bob Ellis read the Act of Remembrance. After the ceremony was complete, the Legion hosted everyone for coffee, snacks, and camaraderie. 

Melfort residents lost during WWII. (Image Credit: Wayne Therres/Submitted)

Roussel said having the cenotaph in the downtown core is important to the Legion. 

“We [are] glad that it’s its final resting place, where everyone can appreciate those who served,” said Roussel. “I think it is, especially nowadays, imperative that, where we gained our freedom.” 

Melfort-area residents lost in WWII and Korea. (Image Credit: Wayne Therres/Submitted)

Roussel said she would like people to check out the new blocks that were unveiled in the re-dedication ceremony. The former stone books, with the names of those in the Melfort area who lost their lives in those conflicts, are also being given a new home.  

“We didn’t want to part with the old blocks that were there with the names,” explained Roussel. “We have a new resting place for them at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery,”  

She suggested that people drive out to the cemetery to check out the space that the Legion has created for Melfort’s veterans. 

(Image Credit: Wayne Therres/Submitted)

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com