New War Memorial – Unveiled

On November 11, 2024, the new Wawa War Memorial was unveiled at the beginning of the Remembrance Ceremony. The local Clergy placed a blessing on the Monument and Lorna Chuipka provided a Royal Canadian Legion dedication. Local members of Michipicoten First Nation attended and participated in the dedication at the ceremony as well.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 and Municipal Council would like to thank Veterans Affairs Canada for their financial contribution to the Wawa War Memorial Project, as well as a huge thank you to the incredible team that came together to make the new memorial a reality. “It is a great honour to celebrate and recognize the significance of the new memorial,” said Mayor Pilon. “Thank you to the memorial team which includes the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429, Municipal Staff, Tulluch Engineering, Traders Steel Warehouse, HGH Granite, Monty McIntyre, Tom Terris and Michael Moore, of Mike Moore Construction Ltd., whose dedication, perseverance and donation made the new memorial possible.” Mike Moore donated the foundation work, he secured a donation of engineering designs from Tulloch Engineering, the donation of re-bar from Traders Steel Warehouse and personally found the granite stone and commissioned HGH Granite to engrave it. Mike kept the project on track and without his efforts, the new Wawa War Memorial would not have been complete in time for Remembrance Day.”

The current cenotaph located in Queen’s Park was dedicated on May 11, 1949, has significantly deteriorated and will be demolished. The dedication plaque will be kept and placed on the Wall of Honour located inside the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre. The cenotaph was built and donated in 1949 by the home building company of Langdon and Samson for the Royal Canadian Legion, Wawa Branch 429. The new monument was placed at 3 Chris Simon Drive on the front island of the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, so it can be better monitored against vandalism. The Remembrance Day ceremony also occurs at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre annually, making it an ideal location. The memorial commemorates all those who served in Canada's efforts during war, military conflict and peace by highlighting a famous quote used in Remembrance celebrations. The memorial also includes the inscription of “Lest We Forget” in both official languages, and our local Indigenous language of Ojibway.

“The Wawa Legion Branch Executive and membership are thankful for the efforts of the team who worked to make sure that Wawa has a monument to commemorate those who dedicate themselves to our country.” said Wawa Legion President Mary Anne Pearson. “We would also like to thank Cindy Jozin for the creation of ceramic poppies that were on display at the ceremony, the teachers and students from St Augustine, Sir James Dunn, and Ecole St Joseph who painted the poppies, Erik Mitikas for making the stands and John Chiupka who assembled the poppies on the stands. The community came together to create a beautiful tribute.”

Contact:
Jessie Labonte, Municipality of Wawa
705-856-2244 ext. 232 or jlabonte@wawa.cc