Unveiled on 3 October 1925, this memorial was dedicated to the local war dead and Veterans of the First World War. The Aurora War Memorial, formerly known as the Aurora-Whitchurch-King War Memorial, was provided jointly by three municipalities of King, Whitchurch and Aurora.
The Scottish Baronial base is 30 feet square and sits on a massive concrete foundation. Height to the top of bronze lantern is 73' 5" and the width across the face above base is 12'. It is an overall tapered square tower form with buttresses at each corner of the base and battlement. The battlement at the top is a little over 6' square. It is made of Stanstead grey granite in heavy blocks with solid concrete fill for 20 feet above foundation, and the central shaft 2-1/2' square from this point reaching to the top. The lantern is of solid bronze, carrying four electric lamps of high wattage and the steps leading up to the memorial are also of granite. The names are engraved in lead.
The flagpoles on either side are 20 paces out at an angle from the memorial's terraced north and south sides. On the left is Canada's national flag; on the right is the provincial flag of Ontario, which incorporates the Union Jack under which these men fought. Each November, wreaths are laid at the memorial by the next of kin and the Reeves of the three townships represented.
The Aurora War Memorial Board, a non-profit organization which was incorporated in 1925 takes full responsibility for the upkeep, financial records and promotion of the Aurora War Memorial and Altar of Sacrifice. The Aurora Hydro and the Aurora Parks Department maintain the grounds and the lantern.
At an early age, Sir William Mulock was influenced by the sight of British regiments marching throughout Ontario. Born at Bond Head and raised in Newmarket, this Grand Old Man of Canada was instrumental in the erection of the memorial to those who fell during the First World War. The cost to erect the memorial was $24,500.00. Sir William contributed $11,500.00. The balance was raised through general subscription by the people of King, Whitchurch and Aurora. The impressive Aurora War Memorial, including the Altar of Sacrifice, was designed and constructed by the McIntosh Granite Co., Toronto, Canada.
On January 2, 2008, the Aurora War Memorial and Peace Park were designated to be of cultural heritage value or interest.
