Back Row: Piper D.J. McDonald, Colour Party RCL Branch 370. Front Row: Jim Locke, Cindy Ault-Peters, SD Coun. Archie Mellan, SD Deputy Mayor elect Marc St. Pierre, SD Mayor elect Jason Broad, SD Coun. elect Tom Smyth, SDSG MP Eric Duncan, RCL District G Deputy Commander Don Swerdfeger, RCL 370 president Darlene Riddell and RCL District G3 Commander John Martineau, Rev. G. Howard and SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn. Thompson Goddard Photo

IROQUOIS – On Sun., Oct. 30, just over 50 people gathered at the war memorial in Iroquois to witness its re-dedication.

“We are here today, and we are what we are today because of the service and sacrifice of those whose names are etched on the plaques and the cenotaph at this new beautiful site,” said SDSG MP Eric Duncan chair of the committee, composed of Cindy Ault-Peters, RCL branch president 370 Darlene Riddell, SD Coun. Archie Mellan, and Jim Locke who facilitated the cenotaph re-location and enhancement.

Duncan explained how following the 2019 restoration and enhancement of the cenotaph and bronze plaques at Matilda Hall in Dixons Corners, the committee decided to begin a similar project in Iroquois. The committee was composed of Duncan.

The cenotaph and bronze plaques were in two different locations. The cenotaph moved to the Iroquois Civic Centre joining the bronze plaques located there. This location has a good vehicle and pedestrian traffic and will serve to increase public knowledge during the day and lighting features which will enhance the site.

In nine months, the committee has been able to meet its goal to complete the project. Duncan thanked the major contributors to the project which included the Commemorative Partnership Program of Veterans Affairs, GFL, Municipality of South Dundas, Swank Family and Swank Construction, Ross Video, Ontario Power Generation, and a donation from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign.

The Iroquois and Matilda Lions Club, Masons, the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and RCL 370 as well as many local business and individuals donated funds with Sherry Mowat of Sherry’s Williamsburg donating the two flag poles for the site. The engraved stone project helped to raise funds and personalize the project by people having a name engraved on a brick to be located at the war memorial for a donation.

SDSG Nolan Quinn expressed his thanks for those that made donations to the project and to committee members. Quinn mentioned this will assist the next generation to understand those who served during a war. Coun. Archie Mellan expressed appreciation to all who donated and served on the committee.  Mayor elect Jason Broad expressed his thanks for the work done by the community and invited families to visit the site to remember those who served. Darlene Riddell, president of RCL Branch 370, mentioned it was nice to see people attend, she commented, “on behalf of our veterans past and future, this is and will always be a beautiful monument in their memory here in Iroquois.”

Following a musical interlude and an Act of Remembrance, wreaths were laid, Rev. G. Howard of the Riverview Presbyterian Church in Iroquois re-dedicated the war memorial, with the service concluding with Duncan commenting how projects such as these remind us of the power of collaboration and community.