A cenotaph is a memorial dedicated to Canada's war dead and veterans across Canada.
There are more than 6,000 local cenotaphs/ monuments/memorial walls in Canada. And Innisfail has two.
The vast majority of these memorials have been erected in dedicated municipal parks as a result of efforts by local legion branches, community groups, provinces, private sponsors, regimental associations and other veterans' organizations.
The areas in which they are located within communities are considered sacred grounds and should receive the respect and dignity they so rightly deserve.
During Remembrance Day, it is the location where the Remembrance Day Ceremony takes place. Wreaths are laid at its base in memory of fallen veterans.
Innisfail has a cenotaph located at the northwest corner of 50th Street and 49th Avenue. The inscription on the cenotaph reads:
“In Memory of the Men of Innisfail and District Who Fell in the World Wars 1914-1918, 1939-1945 and the Korean War”
There is also another cenotaph located in the Field of Honour at the Innisfail Cemetery. It was constructed in 1935 in memory of those who have served our country.
The inscription on the Field of Honour cenotaph reads:
“LEST WE FORGET Dedicated to the glory of God and to the memory of the men & women who served our Country in War and Peace”
Michael Barclay is the sergeant-at-arms at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch 104 Innisfail
