Yarmouth Cenotaph turns 100 years old

A special celebration will take place June 9 to mark this historic anniversary

The solitary soldier atop the war memorial in Yarmouth is 100 years old. And it isn't going unnoticed.

The Town of Yarmouth is planning a commemorative event on Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. to mark the 100th anniversary of the cenotaph's unveiling. Main Street will be closed between Public Lane and Parade Street for the duration of the ceremony and the public is encouraged to join in remembrance.

The Cenotaph was commissioned and paid for by the residents of Yarmouth County. The seven-foot tall, 680-kg bronze figure was designed by Quebec sculptor, Henri Hébert and manufactured in Montreal. It remains a significant piece of Canadian art, but more importantly, it represents an enduring reminder of what price freedom sometimes exacts.

“We remember, with an awareness of the changes in 100 years,” said Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood.

Referring to the sculpture, she added, “This community chose to honour the soldier, not the glory of war. I look at him and I see a stoic commitment to service. One foot in front of the other, moving steadily forward. And that provides an example for us all. We continue to move forward, learning both from our lived experience and from the lessons of history. That's the message I take from this moment of remembrance.”

The event organizing committee, which includes representatives of local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Yarmouth County Historical Society, intends to re-create the program that was delivered 100 years ago, complete with soldiers in period uniforms.

Members of the 84th Independent Field Battery Reserve Army Unit, 92 Chebogue Sea Cadets, 110 Army Cadets and 299 Air Cadets will participate in the ceremony.

Descendants of soldiers who served in the No.2 Construction Battalion (CEF) will also be in attendance.

“Citizens of Yarmouth County came together at the end of World War l – described as ‘the war to end all wars' – united in the determination to honour their dead. It took five years, a massive fundraising effort (around $300,000 in 2023 dollars) and many hours of research to achieve their goal,” reads a media release from the organizing committee.

“It required a whole community commitment, and the whole county turned out on Yarmouth's Natal Day,” it said about the unveiling.

On that day on June 9, 1923, crowds filled the streets and every available vantage point to witness the moment. Wounded World War l veteran Captain John Cahan of Hebron said in his speech to the assembled crowd, "Never let it be said of us that we failed to do proper honor to our soldier dead, the defenders of our institutions and our liberties. Make of this bronze and stone a living token of eternal gratitude, that all may know that such are the deeds you hold in reverence and honour. Soldiers, your countrymen salute you, and pledge themselves that your memory and this shrine will be sacred to them forever".

Town of Yarmouth parks supervisor Todd Muise chairs the organizing committee, and in reference to Capt. Cahan's address, he said, “After 100 years we are doing that and it's important we pass on that commitment to future generations.”

One only needs to scroll through the names etched on this monument to understand why. Virtually every family in every corner of this county felt the pain of loss. In the intervening 100 years, more names have been added and the solitary soldier has come to memorialize all who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

“The impact of each war on this community is still felt today,” said committee member David Sollows. “The names inscribed on this monument remind us of the great cost of our freedom. They were young. The families they might have raised here never came to be. This event will help us remember the great sacrifice they made for us as we once again honour those who gave their lives.”

Efforts have been made to find descendants of some of those who participated in the 1923 event and others who have more recent ties to the cenotaph.

The Yarmouth Citizens Band played at the original ceremony. The band, still active since its formation in 1849, will perform at this year's event under the baton of conductor Megan Snow.

A reception will follow at Yarmouth Town Hall, and the Good Grub Group will also have barbecues set up in

Frost Park.

For those unable to attend the event in person, a livestream of the ceremony will be broadcast by MCMedia at mcmedia.stream and on Facebook at Town of Yarmouth.

The Town of Yarmouth also acknowledges Veterans Affairs Canada for its contribution towards funding this event.