It’s been five years in the making and today, it became official. The National War Memorial in St. John’s is now a nationally recognized historic site.
A group gathered earlier today to unveil a plaque commemorating the memorial as a place of national historic significance
The Newfoundland War Memorial plaque: @VOCMNEWS @VOCMBen pic.twitter.com/VkEn8VJAZT
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) June 28, 2021
In 2016, local history buffs, Dr. John Fitzgerald and Gary Brown wrote a nomination paper to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, asking that the National War Memorial receive national historic status.
Fitzgerald says the board approved the application and began crafting a carefully worded plaque that was revealed on location this morning.
(Unveiling the National War Memorial, St. John’s, 1924. Photo from the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador.)
The site was originally unveiled on Memorial Day, 1924 and was made possible through fundraising efforts of the Great War Veterans Association and a committee led by former padre of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Colonel Thomas Nangle.
Fitzgerald says the national designation will assist with site upkeep and beautification initiatives but he feels it will also attract interest across the country.
The national recognition brings attention to the site’s significance and they may come here to learn more about the history. He believes there needs to be more learning and listening at such locations in Canada.
Dr John’s Fitzgerald explains what he calls the ‘pièce de résistance’ that crowns the War Memorial: @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/wai6G7ZbiY
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) June 28, 2021
