November 9th, 1990 the war memorial was unveiled and dedicated at the Gilmour Cemetery.
It was erected to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of all those who worked and fought for peace and freedom.
World War II veteran David Hamel provided Robert Taylor (Principal of Gilmour Public School) with the first $100 donation and suggested that a memorial be built to honour and remember the 114,000 military personnel who died during the two World Wars and the Korean conflict.
A committee was formed chaired by Mr. Taylor. He was aided by Marie Whittaker, Wanda Donaldson and David Hamel among others. The Hastings County Board of Education also became involved. Phil Ainsworth, Board Superintendent and Barbara Anderson, Trustee were instrumental in the committee’s success.
It was decided Gilmour would not have a cenotaph which commemorates the dead but instead a war memorial to celebrate the contributions of all participants in the country’s war efforts – including those serving in the Persian Gulf.
Guest speakers, music and the children laying of wreaths, along with the parade of all involved was a great tribute.
(Photos courtesy of Marie Whittaker)(Information from The Community Press November 13, 1990)
- Memorial
- Parade
- Ceremony
- Committee members David Hamel, Marie Whittaker, and Robert Taylor
