"...in times of war and peace."

For the first time in 66 years, on the date of the Battle of Britain, and on the anniversary of the first parliament of the province of Upper Canada, a new memorial was dedicated on the grounds of Ontario's legislature.

The Veteran's Memorial is a "30-metre long granite wall etched with scenes from Canada's military history since Confederation" and also includes inscriptions from poet Jane Urquhart and historical Jack Grantstein. A red maple tree is also part of the memorial--"it's bright red fall colour [to] symbolize the sacrifices of soldiers" and the "annual falling of leaves [to] represent human loss."

Way too many people at the ceremony today to get close enough to take in the etchings, but it's nice -- although I'm more of the sculpture school of memorials.

However, the ceremony was -- minus the 7 or 8 officials who took the opportunity to talk and talk and talk -- impressive. A lancaster bomber flew over, some WWII era fighter jets, AND two CF-18 Hornets, which was both terrifying (imagining them dropping bombs) and an adrenaline rush (they were low and moving oh so so fast with such an incredible sound). I know, I know, weapons they are, but it WAS a military dedication of a memorial, after all.

The weird looking photo is a shot of a large video screen as Richard Rohmer, General and author of a few books of fiction (if memory serves correct a couple are about Canada whuppin' the Americans' asses ) speaks to the crowd. He as a driving force behind getting the memorial built.

The artist for the wall was Allan Harding MacKay.

Gotta go back when I can get up close.

Lots and lots of soldiers on hand too, today.