At the heart of London’s Springbank Park, passers-by take interest in a construction project. They come away gratified, after finding out exactly what it’s going to be. “I think it’s a great idea, to honour these men that fought for us,” said Mary Sayler, who was out Tuesday for a bicycle ride with her husband, Richard Sayler. “It’s a perfect location, set this up right here in the park. But you’re right. There isn’t a whole lot of things out this way that are memorials of this type,” added Richard. Work is now underway in building the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument. Nearly two decades in the making, it is the dream of London Rev. Frank Mantz, who believed west London was in need of a permanent monument to honour those who served. “This place is a very special sacred place in Springbank Park,” said Mantz. Conceived by Mantz, and designed by artist Kay Jang, the monument will feature 14 life-sized service men and women made of corten steel and stainless steel. “The service people who fought, served, sacrificed, came home, built homes, raised families, made this community go. And the corten figures will represent those who died,” Mantz explained. The $450,000 project is paid for mostly through private financial and in-kind donations, with the city providing the space in Springbank Park for the monument. Located on the south side of the park near Commissioners Road West and North Street, the monument will be situated along a walking path, near a concession stand/washroom. With an estimated 1,000 people per day passing the site, it’s also seen as an opportunity to educate. Former London mayor, Ed Holder, is part of the monument project team. He says placards with QR codes will be set up around the interactive display to enhance visitor understanding. “This truly is a place of reflection, and in some ways actually a place of fun. Because, as you know, with all the grounds around it, this is going to be a very active community space,” said Holder. He added that the group continues to raise funds, selling Byron Springbank Veterans Monument commemorative coins Byron Springbank Veterans Monument. “We had a number of these made up so that individuals could have a lasting memory of this special place,” said Holder. A dedication ceremony for the monument is scheduled for Oct. 3, and the Byron Remembrance Day Service will also now be held at the site of the monument.
