Local veterans are looking into a purchasing new cenotaph, and possibly a new location to hold an outdoor Remembrance Day ceremony.
Leader of the operation and former veteran Frank Skolly, is the current Vice President of the Grande Prairie Legion Branch #54. Skolly says even though of his current role at the Legion, that this project is a veteran-led operation and not the Legions.
Skolly said the current cenotaph is not up-to date with veterans, and finds the current plaques on the monument “insulting.”
“I find that the little tiny plaques rather insulting on it, it doesn’t give it the credit. The present day cenotaph does not represent the 35 years of the Canadian Forces… I would like to see it properly updated, and get the proper respect,” he said.
According to Skolly, he has approached two local businesses regarding getting a new cenotaph built. However, both companies do their work with the same quarry in Quebec, adding in a middle man. So far, Skolly said he is hearing that a new cenotaph will cost roughly $65,000 and that the group is currently looking for grants to cover the funding.
Skolly mentioned that a new cenotaph would have the same shape as the current one, but would look quite different. He also brought up that it would be very hard to update the current monument, and because of the process it would wreck the front face of the structure.
When Skolly approached Grande Prairie City Council on Monday, Jan. 5th to table his idea to council, a discussion sparked up regarding a potential new location for a new cenotaph. Originally, Skolly wanted to possibly move the cenotaph back roughly 50 feet of it’s current home, so that the area can be less congested.
Confirmation on when a new cenotaph will be built, and where it will be built is yet to be confirmed.
