by Julianna Bonnett
Around a week before Canadians observe Remembrance Day, a new cenotaph to honour all those who have served was unveiled on Sunday afternoon at the Libro Community Centre in Woodslee.
After seven years of continuous talks and planning, construction on the new cenotaph started last month.
The Woodslee Millen Group, which formed in 2012 with the intentions to build a Memorial for Veterans, spear-headed the project.
President of the Woodlsee Millen Group, Donna Roubos, said she couldn’t be happier that the cenotaph is finally up and finished after many years of planning.
“We started planning for this back in 2012,” Roubos said. “It took a long time to get it together, but I’m so thankful for all the help and people [who] made this happen for the veterans and the community.”
Roubos said it’s important for the community to have a cenotaph because she wants the youth to get involved more.
“We want the younger generation to understand what the veterans have done for us,” she said.
The ceremony started at 2 p.m. and was led by Padre Stan Fraser and included speeches from Essex MP elect Chris Lewis, Essex County Warden Gary McNamara, and Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain, who encouraged everyone to stop and talk to a veteran when they see them.
“Besides just waving at a veteran or smiling when you see one of them, stop and talk to them and get to know them, because they are a huge staple in our community,” Bain said.
The ceremony attracted a large number of individuals from the community, who expressed their thanks to those who have served their country.
After the conclusion of the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a luncheon.