Veterans Memorial Park Cenotaph
July 9, 2012
The City of Langford has a long-established tradition of acknowledging veterans in our community. The Cenotaph at Veterans Memorial Park is a lasting example of the City's commitment to recognize the sacrifices Veterans made to preserve the quality of life and freedoms we enjoy today. The City of Langford completed the cenotaph restoration at Veteran's Memorial Park in June.
The concrete base was replaced with new granite tiles that support the memorial statues, columns and commemorative plaques, replicas of a similar memorial at Vimy Ridge. The City of Langford would like to thank Veteran Affairs Canada for a federal grant to restore the cenotaph and Mortimer's Monumental Ltd., the general contractor, for their fine work on restoring the cenotaph and plaques.
The City of Langford and Royal Canadian Legion - Branch No. 91 had the cenotaph constructed ten years ago using local artists, contractors, and local volunteers. The entire park; plaza, pathways, fountain and tree plantings were designed with the cenotaph as a central focal point so that passersby on Goldstream Avenue and Veteran's Memorial Parkway would see it and recognize its importance. The columns are one-third scale replicas of the Vimy Ridge columns. The sculpture depicts a mourning mother gazing down at the commemorative plaque.
Veteran's Memorial Park is an extremely well-used public space at the centre of the city. Langford residents hold many celebrations year round in the park, such as Remembrance Day, Christmas Light- Up, Truck Parade, Annual Antique Car Show, and Cops for Cancer. It is the central location for war veterans and their families to congregate on November 11th in remembrance. Near the cenotaph are commemorative plaques and individual brick paving stones donated by local families in memory of war veterans. This park is also used by cadet organizations as a parade square for practicing and parades. Candle-light vigils, summertime Music in the Park, and weddings are also regular events at the park.
