A new monument to the fallen and those who served is taking shape in Springbank Park. The first sections of the Byron Springbank Veterans Memorial were carefully placed on Thursday. The traditional and stainless-steel sculptures are the realization of 15 years of work by a team led by Rev. Frank Mantz. The London senior is overwhelmed to see it take shape. “Never let your dreams die,” he told a CTV News camera proudly. Mantz, a long-serving padre to surviving Korean War veterans in London, worked with a local South Korean-born designer on the project. For her, the concept is simple. “About life and death and the sacrifices for other people,” said Kyung (Kay) Jang. The sacrifice made by members of the armed forces in conflict and in peace is represented by what will eventually become 14 separate figures of men and women. Each will be presented alongside a QR code offering passersby insight into the monument’s meaning. “And when you understand what is behind the sacrifice of our veterans, it’s their love for this country. Their love for us, love for the people that weren’t even born yet,” explained Mantz. It’s hoped the monument’s prominent pathway location encourages engagement, according to Barry Murphy, a project consultant. “The pedestrian traffic that comes through Springbank Park in this location, it’s huge pedestrian counts, that makes it paramount in its location from an educational standpoint and a view standpoint.” The monument, which will be officially dedicated on Oct. 3, will also serve as the new home for the Byron Legion Remembrance Day ceremony. Branch 553 is among the many groups, organizations and businesses that contributed to its creation. The fundraising campaign set at well over $400,000 was exceeded. The additional funds will go towards new features and ongoing maintenance of a site that more than a decade ago was just a concept.
