Major cenotaph enhancements ensure enduring commemoration of local Veterans

Minister MacKay announces Government of Canada support for the Westville Memorial Cenotaph

WESTVILLE, NS, Nov. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia, today announced Government of Canada funding to the Pictou County Military Museum and the Town of Westville. Support is being provided to assist with the restoration, improved accessibility and beautification of the Westville Memorial Cenotaph. Minister MacKay made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

The cenotaph has been the gathering point for community remembrance and commemorative events since its construction in 1921. Planned restoration work includes repairs to the statue and the base, and new plaques will be placed over existing engravings deemed beyond repair. Existing entrance steps will be restored and new walkways and handrails installed, improving accessibility.

Quick Facts

• The Pictou County Military Museum and the Town of Westville are receiving over $15,000, through Veterans Affairs Canada's Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, for the restoration of the Westville Memorial Cenotaph.
• Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided $4.4 million, through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, to organizations across Canada.
• Across the country, there are more than 6,000 local cenotaphs and monuments dedicated to Canada's war dead and Veterans.
• Applications are being accepted by Veterans Affairs Canada's Commemorative Partnership Program­­­­, which comprises the Community Engagement Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program (CMRP).
• For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's commemorative activities and programs, please visit veterans.gc.ca/iremember.

Quotes

"Ensuring that local cenotaphs are maintained is critical to paying tribute to our Veterans. I encourage all Canadians to visit a local cenotaph or memorial in their community to honour the sacrifice and service of our Veterans."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"The funding of restoration projects and commemorative ceremonies throughout Central Nova helps us pay tribute to the sacrifices of local veterans. Our Government will continue its steadfast support for Canadian Veterans and their families."
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia    

"I am very pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting the restoration of our cenotaph. It is gratifying to see our collective efforts combining to return the cenotaph to its original glory in honour of our Veterans and the sacrifices they have made and continue to make."
Vincent Joyce, Founder and President, Pictou County Military Museum

Related Links

• Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program
• Remembrance: veterans.gc.ca/iremember

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468