Afghanistan Memorial
The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial
The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial will be a beautiful, permanent memorial honoring our Canadian soldiers – the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the war in Afghanistan. Set in a park like setting on the beautiful Bay of Quinte and with 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Trenton – Canada’s largest Air Force base nearby, the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial will be a fitting tribute not far from where Canadian repatriation ceremonies occur and at the beginning of our fallen soldiers’ journey along the Highway of Heroes, from Trenton to Toronto. These motorcades see thousands of Canadians on many of Highway 401’s overpasses paying tribute to those killed in action, and their families, all the way to Toronto.
The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial’s design was selected from many entries; each designed to honour our nation’s recognition of the loss of sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers and mothers. Sadly, 155 Canadian service members have fallen to date in this conflict.
The Memorial site will be approached by a walkway from a dedicated parking area off Highway 2 on the east side of Trenton at RCAF Road alongside the base. The Monument itself is in a quiet and reflective low walled area containing 2 large granite maple leafs – one in red granite inscribed with the Canadian Forces emblem and Provincial shields. The other leaf is in black granite etched to depict a family’s loss with a solitary soldier in black granite depicting a fallen comrade and contains the names of those who have died in the conflict.
The entire site is designed to be reflective and contemplative in character and harmonize with its surroundings. Within the Memorial’s circular form, two granite benches will provide seating for those who come to reflect and enjoy the peace and beauty of the memorial site and park.
In addition to the monuments, flags and walkways, the Memorial will be professionally landscaped with shrubbery, plants, flowers and trees. It will also be lighted and maintained year round
GIVE TO HONOUR THOSE WHO GAVE PLEASE DONATE HERE
Donation to
QW Memorial Wall Committee
JEROME LESSARD / TRENTONIAN
Chris Graham, founder and national first officer of the Canadian Dispatch Rider group, presented a $500 cheque to Quinte West Mayor John Wiliams for the city's Afghanistan Memorial Wall project Monday. Graham was accompanied at city hall by his wife Dianna and a dozen Dispatch riders. "We want to help getting the message out about the Memorial Wall project," said Graham, who has served in the Canadian Forces for 20 years. "The project is now at the 'almost ready to go stage'," added Williams. "We are planning to finance this project without any government funding. So every donation like today's makes a difference. Thank you very much to all the 25 members of the Dispatch Rider group on behalf of the Memorial Wall Committee."
Dispatch riders donate to memorial wall
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By Kate Everson
EMC News - The Canadian Dispatch Riders are the first group to donate to the proposed Memorial Wall.
"We dispatch good will," said founder Chris "Cookie" Graham as he presented a cheque for $500 to Mayor John Williams. The group also presented a plaque and bumper stickers with "Repatriation Row" for the Memorial Committee.
"We help soup kitchens and food banks and homeless shelters," Graham added.
The group formed last year in Kingston and includes ex-military and supporters. Some ride motorcycles but that is not a requirement. "Do you want to help others?" Graham asked. "Then you can join."
There are about 25 members in Kingston and the group is slowly spreading across the country with a few also in Washington, D.C.
"We have a great friendship," Graham smiled.
Graham found out about the memorial from his mother Dawnia who lives in Trenton. Graham was in the Air Force for 20 years, joining in 1980. The group has set up a FaceBook page to help with the funding of the wall.
Mayor John Williams said the committee is just choosing a design now and will start to raise money soon. He expected a lot to come in just like this, from supporters. "I've had calls from all across Canada," he said. "Some are mothers of soldiers who died in Afghanistan."
He noted the location is Bain Park and will be a major project
