Charlottetown completes major restoration of 100-year-old cenotaph ahead of Remembrance Day

The unveiling of the cenotaph in Charlottetown, P.E.I., on July 16, 1925. (Source: City of Charlottetown)

The City of Charlottetown has completed restorations of the cenotaph on Grafton Street, also known as the Soldiers’ Monument, on the monument’s 100^th anniversary.

The restorations finished ahead of Remembrance Day ceremonies, which take place on Tuesday.

The cenotaph, which was created by Canadian sculptor George William Hill, was unveiled on July 16, 1925. It was erected to honour veterans from P.E.I., and those who died in service to their country.

“The restoration of the cenotaph is an important way to honour and preserve the legacy of veterans and all Islanders who served in Canada’s military efforts during times of war, conflict, and peace,” said Coun. Terry Bernard, chair of the city’s Economic, Tourism and Cultural Development Committee. “We are grateful to Veterans Affairs Canada for their contribution to this initiative on the centennial of the monument’s unveiling.”

According to the city, the project was supported by Veterans Affairs Canada, which contributed $25,000. The total project budget was $125,000.

“Honouring those who served is a responsibility we share as a community,” said Sean Casey, parliamentary secretary to the minister of Veterans Affairs and associate minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Charlottetown.

The restoration project included cleaning, re-patination and protective waving of the bronze statue, as well as cleaning and repointing of the granite base, a release from the city said.

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