Elmira Cenotaph

Originally erected nearly 100 years ago with a marble statue, the soldier standing to attention at Memorial was replaced in 2010 with the current bronze figure, in 2016 the surrounding area that has been upgraded in time for the Legion’s Nov. 6 Remembrance Day ceremonies, and members incorporated a rededication ceremony into their usual schedule. Elmira Legion past-president Kirk Genereux and others campaigned for an update at the site, which previously was home to a rectangular planter, surrounded by grass. Now, there is an elaborate stonescape carpeting the spot, with a new stone monument bearing words repeated every year around Remembrance Day: Lest we forget. Benches were also installed on the north end of the plot, giving visitors a spot to sit and reflect. The project cost around $96,000 with some coming from the Legion, some coming from a Canada 150 grant, and the remainder from the capital projects budget from Woolwich Township. In the stone work, they stamped the maple leaf, tying in the Canada 150 celebrations. Now, it is more accessible to those that require assistance moving, such as those in wheelchairs.