Melfort Cenotaph was erected by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 30 and dedicated on 4 August 1929. Colonel F.B. Ware, DSO performed the ceremony on behalf of General J.M. Ross, VC who was unable to attend. Chairman of the Memorial Committee, E. D. Carwardine, read the names of fallen First World War soldiers. Two Books of Remembrance listing the fallen from the First World War were added shortly after the dedication.
The cenotaph was located in Memorial Park on the corner of Broadway Street N, Burrows Avenue and MacLeod Avenue until 1958. It was then moved in front of Memorial Hall at the Melfort Civic Centre where it remained until November 5, 1996. It's third location was in Veteran's Park on the corner of Bemister Avenue E and Assiniboia Street until 3 October 2006. The cenotaph was then moved to its current location on Main Street when it was completely refurbished and rededicated.
After the Second World War, two Books of Remembrance were added listing the fallen from that war. One name from the Korean War was added after that war ended.
The cenotaph weighs approximately 29,000 pounds, including the four granite Books of Remembrance. The names of the fallen on the Books and the inscription on the 12 feet pillar were hand-cut with gold leaf lead-filled letters. Melfort Cenotaph commemorates all service personnel of all conflicts including Merchant Marines, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and people that worked to supply and support the war effort.
