The Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion (LARCL) along with other community partners, could not have asked for better weather today for the dedication ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery.
The LARCL and the city of Prince George joined forces several years ago after realizing that the city was missing a memorial for the veterans. The wall is located in the military section of the cemetery and is hoping to provide a permanent legacy to remember those who have served in the military.
The effort to have the memorial completed has taken more than four years.
The LARCL raise the $8,000 that the memorial cost through a series of fundraisers and also had some of the materials donated from some residents in the community.
The idea for the Veteran's memorial was started by Jackie Lear, of the Memorial Cemetery's Gardening Angels, and for health reasons wasn't able to complete the project and the LA stepped in and continued until the project was complete.
"The wall is in respect for our many brave Canadians who understood and fought for the rights we enjoy today. It will remain as a tribute for the many sacrifices that were made on our behalf," said Arline Ferris, member of the LARCL.
The wall and the bench that sits in front of it, is created from a piece of natural stone from the MacGregor mountain range, with the Royal Ensign and Canadian Maple Leaf embedded in the stone.
The garden area of the memorial that wraps around the wall, with 400 red and white tulips, set to bloom this Spring.
When they have finished blooming, they will be replaced with 400 red and white carnations.
The memorial is the first step in the development of the special veterans' section of the cemetary. The long term plan is to eventually create a columbaria where cremated remains of veterans can be laid to rest.
"This memorial is for all the veterans. Whether they served in World War 2, Korea or have just come back from Afghanistan. We wanted to make sure that we included every veteran," said Rae-Anne Conn, a member of LARCL.
The city of Prince George donated the three plots for the memorial. Jay Lazzarin who designed the site and Black Mountain Stone who supplied the piece of rock.
E &K Stonewares were responsible for the sand-blasting of the lettering, flags and painting.
