Village Green Memorial Park

Ottawa (Kanata), Ontario

Type

Parks

In November 1996, Kanata Legion Branch 638 President Harry Riley asked Mr. John Gooch to assume the responsibility as Cenotaph Chairman. After numerous meetings with city officials and Urbandale Developments, a site was chosen and named "Village Green Memorial Park". The Legion donated a flagpole and kicked-off a fundraising program that would eventually result in twenty trees being planted around the park, each with a commemorative plaque, and a park bench in August 1997.

Several Legion members donated trees and the "tree program" was made available to the general public and other service clubs. By July 1998, 20 trees were planted, and the grass and garden were meticulously and expertly laid out. Each of the 20 trees has a dedication plaque. Of the 20 trees, 13 are dedicated to the military, or members of the military.

The Canadian flag was raised for the first time in the park on September 19, 1998. The dedication committee included: Cde. John Gooch (Chairman), Cde. George Gordon, Cde. Harry Riley and Cde. Ray Ponto.

The Kanata Cenotaph is also located here.

Inscription

[park sign/signe du parc]

Village Green
MEMORIAL PARK

[plaque 1/plaque 1]

To the memory of Pte John Edward Riley. KIA August 12, 1944, France. Harry, James and Arthur Riley. Dedicated 20 September 1998.

[plaque 2/plaque 2]

In memory of Pte Frank Mitchell, 8^th Bn CEF, d 28 April 1917, age 27, Vimy Ridge. Cpl Enoch Mitchell, 10^th Bn CEF, d 10 April 1917, age 23, Vimy Ridge. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 3/plaque 3]

In memory of the veterans of the Tyrell family. “We will remember them”. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 4/plaque 4]

In memory of pioneer families of March. Capt J Benning Monk, William H Berry, George W Monk MMP, Vernon Berry, May G (monk) Berry, Capt J Ainslie Berry. Donated by Major William J Berry CD and family. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 5/plaque 5]

To the memory of those from the Robert Kingston and Alice Turner families who served Canada in World War II. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 6/plaque 6]

In memory of those who served their country in War and Peace, The Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 7/plaque 7]

In loving memory of S/Sgt William Clayton, veteran of WW I and WW II. Private Jacob Morgan, veteran of WW I. Grant eternal rest onto them, O Lord. From their families. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 8/plaque 8]

Roy M Rhyno, Master Gunner Ret’d, honours the families of Zachariah Rhyno of Nova Scotia for their more than 100 years military service to Canada. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 9/plaque 9]

To all veterans, thank you. The Chopowich family. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 10/plaque 10]

In loving memory of Neilson W Campbell- QOCH of C, Percy Hollyer, RCAF. Brothers of Eilleen and Edgar Hollyer, Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 11/plaque 11]

A living tribute to those who served their country in Peace and War. Yvon Sorel, Brig Gen Ret’d. “Per Ardua Ad Astra”. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 12/plaque 12]

Donated to honour all Freemasons who served their country. Hazeldean Lodge No. 517 Kanata. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.

[plaque 13/plaque 13]

To all ladies who served their country in War and Peace. By the Ladies Auxiliary Branch 638 Royal Canadian Legion. Dedicated on 20 September 1998.