VETERANS’ GREEN PARK
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VETERANS’ HONOURED AS CANADIAN VETERANS’MEMORIAL WAS UNVEILED AT WATERLOO’S VETERANS’ GREEN PARK
In cooperation with the City of Waterloo, hundreds of veterans, regular and reserve force military personnel, cadets, politicians and civilians gathered for Canada’s first multi-dimensional tribute to veterans was unveiled at Veterans’ Green Park in Waterloo, Ontario on Sunday November 5, 2006.
Never before has a single work of art been created memorializing our Veterans’ that encompasses all our country’s military history and all those who served. Using a multitude of figures; the memorial, respectively named the Canadian Veterans’ Memorial, will capture every branch of the Canadian Armed Forces. Through the use of historical dress and military gear; this memorial will represent every war that Canadians have participated in, to date.
This memorial depicts the men and women who were lost in the wars; returning to console and present their surviving brother to future generations. This memorial represents the living and deceased equally. The Veteran in this concept acts as a literal and physical bridge from those who had died in battle; to those who view this work of art. The memorial is a physical, visual reminder of Remembrance Day.
The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, presided as Reviewing Officer and Guest of Honour accompanied by Honourary Chairman of the Canadian Veterans Memorial Committee, Mr. Mac Voisin.
A parade commenced at 12:30 pm from the corners of King and Central Streets and proceeded to University Avenue. From there, the parade contingent continued on to Veterans’ Green Park at Hazel Street, across from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Preceding the ceremony, there were tributes including fly-pasts from historical military warplanes. In addition to the unveiling, a veteran and the mother of a soldier currently serving in Afghanistan addressed those in attendance. Following the ceremony, all were invited to a reception at the K-W Naval Association where was an opportunity to find out more about the history of the project, as well as meet the artist, Timothy P. Schmalz.
Click here for photos of the monument and how to get your very own miniature.
