Behold the Memorial Park Obelisk War memorial. This isn’t just a monument it’s a story etched in stone. It stands tall a gray granite obelisk thirty feet high. This imposing structure remembers the sacrifices made during the Great War.
The Memorial Park Obelisk wasn’t built overnight. It was erected in 1924. Public subscription funded its construction. The granite came from Nelson Island. Skilled workers like Messrs Stewart and Wylie built it. Sadly Mr Stewart died in an accident during its construction.
The obelisk’s design is clever. Major G L Thornton Sharp designed it. The design reflects the park’s triangular shape. From Hastings Street it looks perfectly centered. This was deliberate creating a powerful visual impact.
Three sides bear inscriptions. One side faces Hastings Street. It quotes Ecclesiasticus Their name liveth for evermore. Another side faces Hamilton Street. It asks a poignant question Is it nothing to you. The third side facing Pender Street echoes All ye that pass by. These words call to us across time. They remind us of the fallen.
The Memorial Park Obelisk isn’t just words. Ornamentations enhance its meaning. A long sword symbolizes valor. Wreaths of laurels and poppies with maple leaves represent remembrance and sacrifice. Steel helmets adorn corner buttresses. These details add layers of meaning to this moving memorial.
The unveiling was a major event. Vancouver’s mayor W R Owen unveiled it. Twenty-five thousand people attended. Soldiers veterans and civilians gathered. The ceremony was solemn yet hopeful. It celebrated the lives lost and the hope for a peaceful future.
Remember this memorial is more than stone. It represents the spirit of sacrifice. It is a testament to those who gave their lives for king and country. This obelisk stands in Memorial Park as a continuous reminder. It inspires reflection on the price of freedom. So as you leave today. Take a moment to remember.