For the first time in over 60 years, upgrades are being planned to the Brigden Cenotaph that was originally erected in the 1960s.
St. Clair Township Council approved a plan proposed by the Royal Canadian Legion Brigden Branch 635, during a recent meeting.
Remembrance Committee Chair Chuck Stevens said a group of local residents formed the Veterans Association in 1964. The site, which includes a monument, a flag pole, and a walkway, was later dedicated in 1968.
Stevens told Sarnia News Today, no other work has taken place at the Cenotaph since then, other than general grass and shrub maintenance.
The original structure includes the dates of the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War.
"We began our discussions in 2022 within the branch concerning upgrading the Cenotaph because Canadian Armed Forces personnel have been involved in numerous conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the world since the Korean War and many have paid the ultimate price," said Stevens. "Over 130 Canadians have died serving in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions since 1948. Canada has provided personnel and participated in 400 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and NATO-led operations since 1949."
As discussed in his presentation to council, Stevens said the Legion wanted to add a riser to lift the original monument and add dates of the Afghanistan War, where over 150 Canadians died.
Two customized benches and new monuments on each side of the original structure were also proposed. One monument would be inscribed with a NATO crest and the phrase "In the Service of Peace and Freedom," while the other would have a UN logo and the phrase "In the Service of Peace."
Stevens clarified both crests would be engraved in black granite and would not be blue, as shown in the presentation.
"To my knowledge, there are extremely few Cenotaphs in Canada that include specifically those who have died serving in our UN peacekeeping and our NATO operations," he said. "This would be a unique upgrade and we are very much looking forward to involving as many partners, locally, as possible to honour these brave men and women."
Stevens said the entire project is estimated to cost approximately $12,000.
"We intend to fundraise the project through partnerships within our branch and our Brigden village business community," he said. "As a matter of fact, even before we officially started seeking support [Tuesday night], one area resident has already committed to purchasing one of the customized memorial benches... they run about $1,400."
Stevens laughed at how the initial project in the 1960s was $539. He also said the township contributed a large per cent of the funding needed at that time and asked if council would be willing to contribute a portion of the costs now.
Council directed Stevens to submit a formal request ahead of its Operating Budget meeting on March 7.
Meanwhile, a motion to go ahead with structural upgrades and removing overgrown shrubbery was approved.
Stevens said a project timeline has not yet been established as it depends on fundraising.