Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, recently made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, that up to $50,000 has been awarded through the Community War Memorial Program, for the construction of the Simpcw First Nation Community War Memorial.
The memorial is to be dedicated to those individuals from the Simpcw First Nation who chose to serve in the Second World War and who sacrificed for the good of others.
“Memorials are more than structures of stone and mortar,” said Minister Fantino. “They represent sacrifice and honour. They provide community members with a place to gather in recognition of those who served on their behalf. Most importantly, they carry on the importance of remembrance for future generations.”
“Our government commends the Simpcw First Nation for its efforts to preserve the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said MP McLeod. “It is gratifying to know that younger generations will have honoured places and memorials like these to reflect on the courage of remarkable First Nations men and women in uniform for years to come.”
The Simpcw First Nation will erect the new memorial. The proposed memorial plaza area will consist of a cenotaph constructed of stone or concrete surrounded by a circular concrete pad designed to accommodate 100 to 150 people. Two timber arches will rise above the monument area and intersect in the middle. A cast of an eagle in flight will adorn the top. Ten plaques, each engraved with the image of a member of the community who died during the Second World War, will be mounted on the cenotaph. Walkways will be constructed to connect the monument area to the main sidewalks. Benches will be installed and landscaping, which will include culturally significant vegetation to complete the project.
Through the Community War Memorial Program, the Government of Canada is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of veterans and men and women in uniform 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.