MPP Arnott attends dedication ceremony at Arthur Cenotaph
NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington-Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2014
MPP Arnott attends dedication ceremony at Arthur Cenotaph
(Queen’s Park) – Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott attended the dedication of a new
mural at the Arthur Cenotaph on Saturday October 25, in recognition of the service of Canada’s veterans, and in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Mr. Arnott grew up in Arthur and represented the village in the Ontario Legislature from 1990- 1999. When the riding boundaries changed in 1999, Arthur was included in a different riding. Arthur is now represented by Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece, who also attended the event.
At the Cenotaph, Mr. Arnott delivered the following remarks:
It is a distinct honour to have been asked to say a few words today.
First of all, I want to thank everyone for joining us here at the Cenotaph, which for so many
years has stood as a silent symbol of the patriotism and pride of this community;
And as a monument to the courage and valour of Arthur residents who answered the call of duty to King and Country to fight in Canada’s wars.
And every year, on November 11th, we gather at the cenotaphs like this one, all across the
country, to remember all who served, all who sacrificed, all who were wounded in body or spirit, and all who died.
This year is will be especially significant.
Not only is it the 100th anniversary of the start of the first World War, and the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in the second World War,
It is a year when our mission in Afghanistan has just concluded, but our mission against the
extremists of the Islamic State, or ISIS, has just begun.
And on Wednesday of this week, in our nation’s capital, the National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was insulted in the worst possible way by a cowardly attack on Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who was proudly posted there in ceremonial and silent tribute, as a reserve member of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
The Village of Arthur is known far and wide as Canada’s Most Patriotic Village. And it is the
events of this week, that remind us of why that patriotism is so important;
That freedom isn’t free, as our beautiful new mural reminds us.
But the freedom we hold dear, and should never take for granted, was purchased for all of us at dear cost, with the sacrifice of the lives of more than 100,000 Canadians through the past 100 years.
I want to express sincere thanks, to all who were involved in the mural project, the Royal
Canadian Legion Branch 226, the Arthur Historical Society, the Township of Wellington North, and everyone else who volunteered their time and talents to erect this mural, augmenting our beautiful and historic cenotaph, lest we forget.
(Photo courtesy of the Wellington Advertiser)
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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org