A plaque in the Dutton Dunwich municipal office honouring First World War veterans just isn’t fitting enough tribute in the mind of local historian Blair Ferguson.
The municipality has never had a cenotaph or formal site to commemorate local veterans, however Ferguson and his committee have the gears in motion to correct that.
Especially when Dutton Dunwich is the home to a Victoria Cross recipient.
A fundraising campaign is now underway with the hope of holding Remembrance Day 2024 at the community’s very own cenotaph.
Ferguson tells myFM why such a structure is needed.
A site has been secured in Sons of Scotland park in Dutton.
Ferguson has been described as a tremendous storyteller and a passionate advocate for veterans.
Both attributes clearly evident in his latest project.
Ferguson describes what the cenotaph will include when it becomes a reality for Remembrance Day 2024.
The cenotaph is being crafted by Tom Klassen, president of Memorial Restorations of Sarnia.
The names of Dutton Dunwich heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty will be engraved on the inside of granite columns that enclose a granite bench intended for solemn reflection. The other side of the columns, facing Sons of Scotland Park, will be engraved with the names of major conflicts in which Canadians served.
A carved helmet and dove symbolizing peace will top the central granite column, and the entire monument will be covered in metal poppies. The monument will be installed on a concrete pad which will also be adorned with benches, flag poles, and lighting.
The fundraising goal for the undertaking is $140,000.
When the cenotaph is installed next year, Ferguson feels Services of Remembrance in Dutton Dunwich will have that air of dignity they deserve.
Assisting Ferguson on the cenotaph committee are:
- Dutton Dunwich Deputy Mayor Ken Loveland
- Yvonne Brooks
- Jennifer Babcock
- Delany Leitch
