It’s a Veterans monument to represent the past, present and future. The unveiling of the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument honours those who have fallen, those who served and returned and a legacy for future generations. Two decades ago, Padre Frank Mantz had a dream to bring this space to West London. “My grandfather always said, ‘Don’t start something unless you can finish it,’” said Mantz at the dedication ceremony on Oct. 3, 2026. He took the initiative to spearhead a consortium. He assembled a team and got city council, donors and volunteers on board to make his dream a reality. “Without Frank, there is no monument, let’s be absolutely clear,” said Ed Holder, chair of the consortium. “It’s been his vision for 19 years. This monument is to honour our veterans, those who made supreme sacrifices and those who came back - some not whole - and some to make great contributions to their communities, especially in London here. So how could we not do this to honor our veterans?” Honouring them is what they did Saturday. With veterans from Parkwood Hospital in attendance, hundreds of people packed Springbank Park for the ceremony to dedicate the site. “This is a place where families come to play, where different groups come to have picnics,” said London Mayor Josh Morgan. “They’re going to be able to see this space, know what’s happened and pay their respects all at the same time. It’s really about awareness. If ‘Lest We Forget’ is going to be an actual thing, we need to continue to build monuments in public spaces where people will never forget the sacrifices and services that have occurred.” The day had multiple fly overs by Canadian Harvard Aircraft, acts of remembrance, poetry readings and music. This site will be the future home of Remembrance Day ceremonies by the Byron Legion. “I want people to come here when they walk by or ride by and look at this,” said Mantz. “I want them, if they’re tired in their life, to come and sit down on a bench and look at it and remember what these veterans have done for them out of the love of their hearts. I want it to rekindle their spirits, just sitting here and knowing that these guys and gals were there for them and will always be here. That’s the way our country is. We’re there for each other.”
