Member of Parliament Jeff Watson Announces Funding for a Major Addition to the Essex Cenotaph

ESSEX, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 24, 2012) - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, today announced support of up to $50,000 for improvements to the war memorial in Essex, Ontario. This funding, provided through the Community War Memorial Program, will support a major addition to the Essex Cenotaph.

It is our sacred duty to remember and honour our Veterans and the brave men and women in uniform who serve Canada so selflessly, said Minister Blaney. Building major additions to war memorials can inspire a renewed sense of remembrance in communities. Our Government is proud to support projects that help honour the sacrifices of our Veterans and our service men and women.

Our Government commends the members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 201 (Captain Brien) for their dedication to preserving the memory of our Veterans and honouring our Canadian Armed Forces members, said Mr. Watson. Our community war memorials serve as lasting reminders of the courage and achievements of our Veterans and the men and women who today defend our values of peace, freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 201 (Captain Brien) is making a major addition to the Essex Cenotaph to commemorate all those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. The project will include building a granite semi-circular wall behind the existing cenotaph. The upper section will consist of seven pieces of engraved black granite, with etchings depicting the three operational environments-Army, Navy and Air Force-of the Canadian Armed Forces. The lower section will be made of seven pieces of wedge-shaped gray granite with space to engrave the names of those serving in the Forces. The project will also include relocating two existing cairns; adding a concrete pad joining the cenotaph area with the public walkway to allow for easy accessibility; and installing four permanent flagpoles and lighting.

Through the Community War Memorial Program, our Government is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of our 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 www.veterans.gc.ca.