Lest we forget. That simple inscription on the North Burnaby Cenotaph echoes across Confederation Park. It’s a powerful statement a solemn promise etched into granite.
This isn’t just a monument. It’s a story in stone. The North Burnaby Cenotaph standing proudly near the sports oval tells a tale of sacrifice and remembrance. It was built in 1953. A stonemason and First World War veteran Walter Holmes Morrice crafted this obelisk. The North Burnaby Legion Post No 148 erected it.
The cenotaph is one of four memorials in Burnaby honoring those who died in war. The granite cairn and brass plaques were designed by Legion member F J Brisdon. Legion members helped prepare the site clearing stumps and brush. They landscaped the area. The dedication in 1953 marked the start of an annual Remembrance Day ceremony. A tradition that continues to this day.
More than a memorial this cenotaph became a landmark. In 1992 it was designated a heritage site. It’s a place of quiet reflection a space to honor the past. The inscription remembers those lost in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. It’s a reminder of the price of peace. The lives given so that we might live.
The North Burnaby Cenotaph stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance. Its simple elegance speaks volumes. It honors the sacrifices of generations of Canadians. The cenotaph is a powerful symbol. It reminds us to never forget. It remains a focal point of Remembrance Day ceremonies each year. The cenotaph’s legacy lives on in Confederation Park.