Monument aux soldats disparus War memorial

In the quiet heart of Montreal West, stands the Monument aux soldats disparus. This poignant war memorial, nestled beside city hall in Memorial Park, serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during the World Wars. Unveiled in 1921 by Sir Arthur Currie, the first Canadian to command a Canadian corps during World War I, the monument originally honored those lost in the Great War. The bronze statue, sculpted by George William Hill, depicts a soldier bravely marching into battle, atop a sturdy granite base. Hill, born in 1861, was a prominent Canadian sculptor known for his war memorials. He studied in Paris and upon returning to Montreal, created several memorials commemorating Canadian soldiers. The Monument aux soldats disparus is a testament to his skill and the town’s commitment to remembrance. The inscription on the front of the monument reads, “Dedicated to the Memory of the Sons of Montreal West, Who Gloriously Laid Down Their Lives in the Great War and in Honour Forevermore of All Those Who Served Therein.” Later, a wall was added behind the statue to honor those who perished in World War II. This wall bears the names of over forty individuals from Montreal West who lost their lives in the second global conflict. The names of those lost in the first war, along with the battlefields where they fought, are inscribed on the sides of the monument. The Monument aux soldats disparus is more than just a statue. It’s a place where the community gathers every year to commemorate the sacrifices made by its sons and daughters in times of war. It’s a symbol of remembrance, a beacon of hope, and a lasting tribute to the enduring spirit of Montreal West.