On November 6, 2015, a large group gathered in Anniversary Park to witness the dedication of Chestermeres beautiful cenotaph. This long awaited memorial comes from the hard work and dedication of the Cenotaph and Remembrance Day committee who have worked tirelessly to get a cenotaph erected in our city.
Cenotaphs are built for the purpose of having a reverent place to mourn and pay our respects to those that have lost their lives serving and fighting so that the rest of us can live in freedom. Chestermeres cenotaph, which was designed by Richard Hessler, who served in the Military Reserve and is a retired RCMP officer, reflects the sacrifices that many Canadians have made in fighting for our country and the freedoms that we enjoy. The spirit of the design was to honor the Police, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services and also showcases images of hero’s from the Great War, World War II, and the Korean War.
City of Chestermere Councillor Stu Hutchison, who played an important role in the creation of the cenotaph, was the emcee of the ceremony and was very moved during his words of appreciation for all those that made the cenotaph possible.
Along with Councillor Hutchison was Mayor Patricia Matthews, other members of council, MLA for Chestermere Rocky View Leela Aheer, members of Chestermere RCMP and Chestermere Fire Services were all on hand to participate in this historic dedication.
This dedication was made even more moving as Her Honour, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, CM, AOE, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta attended and spoke to the crowd regarding the importance of having a cenotaph in our city and having a place to pay respect to those that have fought for our freedom.
The Chestermere High School band proudly performed at the ceremony, to which Her Honour thanked the youth for playing such beautiful music at the event.
With the cenotaph now completed, thus begins the tradition of holding Chestermeres Remembrance Day ceremony at the beautiful monument.
