Veteran Square: City of Burlington Names Area Around Burlington Cenotaph

*NOTE: For a full run-down of what Council approved at its Nov. 23 meeting, please read the minutes: Post-Meeting Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council_Nov23_2020)

**Please see a media release below issued by the City of Burlington.

Burlington, Ont. — Nov. 24, 2020 — The area around the Burlington Cenotaph to the north of City Hall will be named Veteran Square. The decision was made at Burlington’s City Council meeting on Nov. 23 and following a formal request from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60.

The City of Burlington recognizes Nov. 5 to 11 as Veterans’ Week and Nov. 11 as Remembrance Day each year. The month of November is a time to honour those who have served Canada, past and present, in times of war, military conflict and peace.

The City hopes that by naming the area around the Burlington Cenotaph, it will bring further respect and reverence to this significant monument and area honouring those who gave residents their freedom and built up this country. The community is encouraged to visit Veteran Square to pay their respects and appreciation to Veterans, peace keepers and their families.

The City will be installing a sign with the new name, Veteran Square, in the near future.

Facts:

• A cenotaph is an empty tomb or a monument erected in honour of a person or group of people whose remains are elsewhere. It can also be the initial tomb for a person who has since been reinterred somewhere else.
• In 1922 the ‘City of Burlington’ erected the Great War Memorial on the south side of Water Street, dedicated by Governor General Lord Byng recognizing the names of Canadian soldiers and peacekeepers. In 1947 Burlington took over care of the Cenotaph.
• The area surrounding the Cenotaph is used as a location for events of significance such as Legion Week, First Poppy on the Mayor and Remembrance Day observance.
• There are 17 Vet Banners in this area. Each one honours a specific service person with a connection to Burlington and includes their name, era served, branch of service, photograph and the name of the sponsor.
• There are several veteran related groups in Burlington, including
  • Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60;
  • Halton Naval Veterans Association;
  • The Burl-Oak Naval Veterans; and
  • 2379 RHLI Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps – Burlington Army Cadets.

“It is a privilege to bring this act of honour forward in the City of Burlington. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60, Naval Associations and many active Service Organizations are elated with naming the area around the Burlington Cenotaph as Veteran Square. I am proud to present this every day area of significance that will recognize those who serve and are serving in the highest esteem. This will be a place to reflect and acknowledge those who fought for our freedom, democracy and peace.” – Burlington Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns, City of Burlington

MAYOR MEED WARD’S TAKE:

The Burlington Cenotaph is one of the focus areas in our City where we gather to recognize and honour the sacrifices of our veterans on Remembrance Day. But our residents pay tribute to our local veterans and their sacrifices every day and naming that area Veteran Square is one simple gesture our City can make to bring the highest level of respect this place deserves in recognition of their service to our country.

Links and Resources:

• burlington.ca/remembranceday
• burlingtonlegion.com
• Burlington Cenotaph
• Post-Meeting Minutes – Regular Meeting of Council_Nov23_2020

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*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist