October 28, 2010 (Bridgewater, NS) – Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced today, up to $1,465 in federal government support for a project in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia to honour Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“By restoring monuments and cenotaphs across the country, we are ensuring that all Canadians have beautiful places to pay homage to the men and women who have fought for our freedom,” said Minister Blackburn. “Communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast will be able to enjoy these areas of remembrance for years to come.”

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #88 (Everett) will receive support for the restoration of the Chester Basin Cenotaph. Built in 1976 in front of the Chester Basin Legion, the cenotaph is in remembrance of those from the community who made the supreme sacrifice for Canada in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. Planned restoration work includes removing brickwork around the monument; levelling the terrain; replacing brickwork and cleaning the bronze plaque.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #88 in restoring the Chester Basin Cenotaph,” said MP Keddy. “When it comes to projects like this, the dedication of our communities is overwhelming. These projects speak volumes to how thankful Canadians are for the sacrifices of our Veterans.”

“Everett Branch is very pleased to have secured the funding to improve our cenotaph,” said Jayne Mackenzie, Branch 88 President. “Every November 11th the community of Chester Basin's citizens, young and old, and friends gather at our cenotaph to remember the supreme sacrifice given by those Veterans who went before and for the efforts of our current military.  We can never repay the debt we owe so the best we can do is pay it forward and perpetuate remembrance. The cenotaph provides a tangible reminder of the past so that we can continue education in the present and move forward.  The proposed improvements will give us an accessible and beautiful place to remember.”

This is one of eleven community-led projects receiving a total of $110,120 announced by the Government of Canada through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program. Applications to the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups and other organizations interested in restoring local memorials may be eligible for funding.

Please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca for a backgrounder on the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program. To learn more about the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program or to apply for funding, you can visit the Web site or call 1-866-522-2122.