Silent stones tell tales. Here stands the Division Sainte-Anne – Monument aux morts des guerres War memorial in Montreal. This memorial honors brave men and women. They belonged to the Sainte-Anne Division during 1939-45.
Let’s explore its story.
The Division Sainte-Anne – Monument aux morts des guerres War memorial stands in Marguerite Bourgeoys Park. It faces 2247 Wellington Street. The memorial is an obelisk. Its GPS coordinates are Lat: 45.4758038 Long: -73.5603049.
The Sainte-Anne Division erected this monument. It honors army, navy and air force veterans. These veterans were from the Point St. Charles area. Councillor and MNA Frank Hanley unveiled it on November 9, 1947.
Raising money for the Division Sainte-Anne – Monument aux morts des guerres War memorial took ten years. Hanley recalled collecting pennies, nickels and dimes. Every bit helped to make it a reality.
The memorial’s inscription reads: “DIVISION STE-ANNE. MONUMENT AUX MORTS DES GUERRES 1914-1918 – 1939-1945. ST. ANNE’S DIVISION WAR MEMORIAL 1914-1918 – 1939-1945.” These words remind us of the sacrifices made.
Originally, the Division Sainte-Anne – Monument aux morts des guerres War memorial had three bronze busts. They represented the armed forces’ branches. Vandals destroyed them in 1975. This loss highlights the need to protect our monuments.
Alan Hustak wrote about the Division Sainte-Anne – Monument aux morts des guerres War memorial. His article appeared in The Gazette on November 11, 2000. It was titled “For honour and glory”.
The Division Sainte-Anne – Monument aux morts des guerres War memorial is a testament to courage. It reminds us of those who served. They fought for freedom.
The Division Sainte-Anne – Monument aux morts des guerres War memorial stands as a place for reflection. It calls us to remember. It urges us to honor their legacy.