This memorial was constructed in 1967 by Rebecca Sisler, RCA in memory of those of the Markham District whose lives were sacrificed for the cause of Freedom. It was dedicated in a Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11, 1967. Originally located outside the library building, the sculpture named "The Fortress", was moved indoors and rededicated in a ceremony in June 1996.
After the Second World War, citizens of Markham hoped that a fitting memorial would be erected to the memory of those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom in the First and Second World Wars. A rock garden at the southern end of Markham was begun, but never finished. Until a General Meeting of the Public was held at the Veterans Hall early in 1964 and a Cenotaph Committee was appointed, no tangible evidence of a memorial had been forthcoming.
The Cenotaph Committee was composed of ex officio, the Reeve of the Village, the President of the Markham District Veterans Association and nominees, Mrs. Fred Reid, Mr. Allan T. Paterson, Mr. Anothony C. Allen, Mr. Lloyd Abernethy and Mr. Paul Mingay. Two fundamental problems had to be solved by the Committee, firstly the design and secondly the site for the cenotaph. A design contest was held and several submissions were made by area artists. After much discussion and thought, negotiations were entered into with the Village Library Board, with the hope of locating the memorial at the new Centennial Library site. The Library Board gave approval, which was ratified by the Village Council. Mr. Philip Brook, the library architect, was charged with ensuring the setting and design would be compatible with the building. At this point the Committee sought professional help, and the well known and very talented sculptor, Miss Rebecca Sisler of Terra Cotta, formerly of Markham Township, graciously agreed to assist.
Miss Sisler initially submitted a column design, but by now the library was underway and the piece would be lost in its architecture. From further discussion with Miss Sisler evolved the concept of a family group as the basic social unit of society. The Committee approved of the model made by Miss Sisler, and only the task to bring the ideas into being remained.
All the while the Committee kept in mind the high ideals involved in their task. When it came to raising the funds, it was felt that as this was a community task that it should be shared communally. The communal meal is part of their heritage and not only in religious history, but whenever in the past joint effort was needed at barn raisings, threshing bees and silo fillings, men and women sat down together. It was decided to try it. The Kiwanis Club of Markham agreed to provide the framework for the organization of the dinner and with the help of many other citizens and all other service clubs, the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans Association, matters got under way.
To address the dinner Rear Admiral William M. Landymore, O.B.E., C.D., R.C.N. was invited. That he came with his gracious wife from their home at Head of Chezzetcook, Halifax County, Nova Scotia without conditions and without reward will ever be remembered by the 600 people who filled the Centennial Ballroom at the Inn on the Park. His address stirred every soul and was, perhaps, for many the keynote speech for their Centennial year. He was given the key to the Village by Reeve Alma Walker and accorded the privileges of a freeman by resolution of Council, and, as well made an honorary member of the Veterans' Association and the Kiwanis Club of Markham. The dinner, with special donations from the Markham Unionville Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club of Markham and many individuals and corporations have provided the cenotaph proper.
The pool and setting which compliment the cenotaph and indeed are part of it, have been constructed by contractors who have contributed labour and material, either without or at reduced cost. The remainder of cost was hoped to come from the municipality. This cenotaph commemorates those who are buried elsewhere, who have died at war for this, our Canada, in the defence of those privileges and those freedoms exercised in their fullness in the dedication of this sculpture, November 11, 1967.
The Cenotaph Committee: Chairman Mr. Paul W.J.Mingay, Mrs. Fred (Edna) Reid, Mr. Anothony C. Allen, Mr. Allan T. Paterson, Mr. Lloyd Abernathy; Councillor Village Representative Reeve Alma Walker; Markham District Veterans Representatives President Arthur Underwood 1964-65, President Willian Birch 1965-66, President Charles Mullett 1966-67, First Vice-President Jack Peplow 1967.
