On Saturday, September 10, 2016, Town Council and honoured dignitaries helped unveil and rededicate Pelham’s WWI Cenotaph and newly restored WWI Trench Mortar. (Watch the video.)
“We are honoured to have partnered with the Canadian Government, the Royal Canadian Legion, and caring citizens to ensure these historic artifacts now stand as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifices paid by Pelham residents and other Canadian soldiers in World War I to secure our freedoms,” said Mayor Dave Augustyn.
In 2015, restoration of the Cenotaph included repairing the original 1920’s lead lettering, the lighting and landscaping, in time for the year’s Remembrance Day commemoration. The Cenotaph pays tribute to 18 local soldiers killed in battle by listing each of their names.
The Mortar, considered a “War Trophy,” was awarded to the former Township of Pelham in 1921 by the Government of Canada and placed next to the Cenotaph in Ridgeville as a memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1914-18 war. Research shows that this mortar is very rare and that it was one of 101 trench mortars brought to Canada. It is one of the very few not melted down for the World War II war effort.
During the past 95 years, the mortar deteriorated and there was talk of removing it altogether and replacing it with an artifact from World War II or the Korean War. A group of dedicated citizens and representatives came together to work with the Town and Council to help recommend that restoring the historic monuments was the best option for the community. Among others, these included Carolyn Botari, Dell Clark, Gary Chambers, Jake Dilts, Leo Giovenazzo, Mary Lamb, Bernie Law, and Jim Summersides.
“Council and I deeply appreciate the work of these caring citizens, of Town Staff, the Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans Affairs, the Canadian Government, and the conservation company to fully restore and tell the story of this mortar for generations to come,” said Mayor Dave Augustyn.
Participants and attendees of the ceremony included: Veterans & Members of Canadian Armed Forces; Members of the Royal Canadian Legion & Ladies Auxiliary, Branch 613; Members of the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans; Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Branch 613 Army Cadets; 87 Eagle Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets; Grimsby Pipe Band; Niagara Military Vehicle Association; Reverend Myers; Mr. Allison, MP Niagara-West; Mr. Badawey, MP Niagara-Centre; Regional Councillors Baty & Quirk; Town of Pelham Councillors & Staff; Members of the Citizen Advisory Committee; David Hulley, Emcee; and hundreds of community members.
Mr. Jim Summersides, World War II Hero, addressed attendees before helping unveil the newly restored mortar and plaque at the ceremony.
For more information, please contact:
Dave Augustyn, Mayor
905-892-2607 ext. 317
Darren Ottaway, CAO
905-892-2607 ext. 318
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