Honouring All Who Served at the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument

I joined hundreds of neighbours, veterans and their families at Springbank Park for the dedication of the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument, a lasting place for our community to honour all who have served, past and present.

I also had the honour of bringing greetings on behalf of the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

A Tribute to Service Across Generations

The monument recognizes Canadians who served from the Boer War to Afghanistan, along with peacekeepers and those who continue to serve today. Its life-sized steel figures stand in a circle beside a walking path, where families, cyclists and dog-walkers pass every day.

The project began with a vision from Rev. Frank Mantz, a long-time padre to Korean War veterans, who hoped to create a permanent place in West London to honour those who served. It took nearly two decades of work, and the community came together to make it happen.

A Community Effort

Thank you to the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument Consortium, Byron-Springbank Legion Branch 533, and every neighbour and donor who helped bring this tribute to life. I was glad to advocate for federal funding to support the project.

I also had the opportunity to rise in the House of Commons to recognize the monument’s dedication, so that the work of our community is part of the national record.

This year, the Byron Remembrance Day service will take place at the monument, giving our community a new place to gather and remember together.

Lest we forget.