LaSalle Cenotaph History
Unveiled at the LaSalle Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11, 1995, the first cenotaph erected in the Town of LaSalle was dedicated to the memory of those Canadians who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and on peace keeping missions. The dedication ceremony coincided with the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. At the ceremony, World War I veteran Robert Lawrenson, 96, lay a wreath in memory of Canadians who gave their lives in that war. Jim Robinson and Don Flieger represented the Korean War veterans with over 500 people in attendance.
The installment of the cenotaph came together through planning and fundraising by the LaSalle Cenotaph Committee, headed by Howard Brunini, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 364. Coverage from the LaSalle Silhouette captured the history of the cenotaph and highlights its lasting significance in honouring and remembering our veterans who have served and continue to serve.
LaSalle Cenotaph Park 2014
LaSalle Cenotaph Park was constructed in 2014. The original granite cenotaph, 1995, now sits atop a new platform with a larger memorial design. The unique design remembers Canada's military personnel, and is a great teaching tool looking at some of Canada's military history.
The map of the world behind the monument feels smooth for water and textured for land. Pins on the map mark the locations where Canada's Armed Forces have been at war or conflict and engaged in peacekeeping missions. Located beside the map is a legend that explains Canada's military presence over the years. The steel plate at the top is in reference to the harshness of war.
The most unique feature of the Cenotaph is the slotted top in the steel plate. The slotted top allows for a beam of light that traces the sun's movement across the face of the map that is located behind the monument. The positioning of the memorial is calibrated to the sun. A beam of light will be on central Europe at 11:00 a.m. every November 11, commemorating Remembrance Day in perpetuity.
Residents or families of Veterans of LaSalle, or the former Township of Sandwich West, are encouraged to submit their names by email to Town Administration for inclusion on the LaSalle Cenotaph wall. Once a year, the Town will have the plaques at the Cenotaph updated to reflect our past and present local Veterans.
Contact Us
Town of LaSalle
5950 Malden Road
LaSalle, ON N9H 1S4
T. 519-969-7770
F. 519-969-4469
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