Cadets to save memorial
Shelley Lipke, Staff writer
The Canadian Scottish Regiment cenotaph in Pioneer Park is in need of restoration after 59 years of exposure to the elements and vandalism.
In Pioneer Square, near Christ Church Cathedral, a much worn cenotaph awaits refurbishing.
Cadets from the Canadian Scottish Regiment have taken on the task to help finance the renovation by holding a "tag day" on Feb. 20.
"Tag day involves the cadets out in the community in full dress uniform asking members of the community for donations and providing them with information on where the donation will go," says Capt Larry Jeffries, Commanding Officer 2136 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.
Forty-five cadets will be at the Super Store and Canadian Tire at Canwest Mall, at the Thrifty's and Starbucks in Fairfield Plaza, and also at Moka House and Serious Coffee in Cook Street Village from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"They usually raise between $1,000 and $1,500 on their tag days, and this project is important to them," said Capt Jeffries.
Every Remembrance Day the Regimental family and the cadets encircle the cenotaph to pay homage to the fallen, including the Canadian Scottish Regiment who died in the First and Second World Wars.
"The cenotaph helps me remember how much history our Cadet Corps and Regiment has and makes me proud," said Cadet Master Corporal Nathan Deringer. "It is more than a monument. It is a sign of pride and is a place to see the history of The Canadian Scottish Regiment and the veterans that came from our community."
The restoration project is estimated to cost $50,000.
Exposure to the elements and vandalism has taken a toll on the 59-year-old 16-foot granite memorial.
It replaced the wooden remembrance cross that was raised on the battlefield of Vimy after Canadian Corps captured Vimy Ridge in April 1917, defeating the Germans. At the end of the First World War the wood cross was transported to Victoria from France and installed at Pioneer Square. Natural deterioration forced it to be moved for safekeeping to a permanent display at the Bay Street Armoury.
"The mortar joints between the granite components needs re-pointing; damaged granite posts and curb stones require repair or replacement; the chain that identifies the perimetre of the memorial site needs to be replaced with a low metal fence, and improved lighting is also required," said Brigadier General (Ret'd) Michael Heppell, Honorary Colonel of The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) and Chair of the Regimental Cenotaph Restoration Committee.
"Unlike today, soldiers killed overseas during both world wars were not repatriated home, so local cenotaphs and memorial structures are used to remember their sacrifice. What the cadets are doing is very much appreciated."
Veterans Affairs Canada has a program for the restoration and preservation of cenotaphs and monuments to Canada's war dead, in which they will provide up to half the necessary funds. The cenotaph restoration committee will apply for this grant.
Anyone wishing to support the cenotaph restoration can send a donation to the Canadian Scottish Regimental Heritage Foundation at the Bay Street Armoury - 715 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C. at V8T 1R1, or phone BGen (Ret'd) Heppell at 250-658-1391.
