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To perpetuate the memory of the soldiers from Huntingdon who made "The Supreme Sacrifice" in The Great War 1914-1918, the citizens of Huntingdon village assisted by neighboring municipalities, and the County Council, erected a handsome monument in Prince Arthur Square which was unveiled on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 14th. The day though cold was clear and over 1500 people attended. The crowd commenced to gather at noon and by 1.30 there was a large audience. At 1.20 thirty veterans who had formed at their club-rooms, lead by the Huntingdon Cornet Band, marched onto the grounds, taking positions on each side of the monument. The speakers mounted the platform which had been eretced (sic) in front and a little to one side of the monument. The band in the meantime furnishing appropriate music. Mayor Crawford acting as chairman referred briefly to the labors of the memorial committee and hoped the monument would meet with the approval of the citizens. He felt it was an honor to do homage to such heroes.
Rev. J. B. Maclean lead in prayer which did him credit and which was most appropriate.
A stand had been erected for the choir which, headed by J. R. Oney. sang "O God our Help in Ages Past”. The singers were accompanied by a plano thoughtfully supplied by the noted firm of Layton Bros. Montreal, and several cornets.
Rev. Naughton, who has charge of the local Episcopal Church, felt it an honor to be present, and while he could not speak as an old resident, he complimented the local council on their effort to be progressive. His view was that it was Public Opinion that defeated Germany. The ground on which the monument stands was occupied by other veterans fifty years ago. They manifested the same spirit as was exhibited by our soldiers in the late war; truly Huntingdon had a history behind her of which she could be proud. Every man who dawned uniform showed he was not afraid to die. He complimented the women on their part in the war and closed with appropriate remarks.
Dr. R. N. Walsh stated that he felt out of place in that he was lacking in eloquence fit to do justice to such an occasion. The monument spoke of sacrifice, heroism and honor which would go down in history never to be gotten. Probably the monument would be an Inspiration to future generations. He thought the soldiers who had returned were being neglected. Did the people who stayed at home by buying 5 ½% Victory Bonds think they had done their duty? He made reference to the veterans of 50 years ago and called on Andrew Gilmore, of Elgin to whom he presented a long-service medal sent from the Department of Militia and Defence.
Mr. Gilmore expressed his thanks.
The choir sang "The Supreme Sacrifice."
The chairman stated J. Alex Cameron who was slated to speak. was unable to be present.
Mr. Andrew Philps, M. L. A., felt honored to be a speaker on such an occasion. The county had done a noble work is sending so many men 600 responded to the call and 60 paid the supreme sacrifice for Justice, Liberty and Honor. We should feel proud of these men and of all who wore the King's uniform, and we should remember that they left us a torch to carry, it was our duty to make this Canada a loyal, clean. united Canada.
The choir sang the "Recessional”.
J. A. Robb recalled the fact that not only had the ground on which they stood been a battleground in 1846 and 1870, but it had also been the playground of the youth of that county who were educated at the Huntingdon Academy and it was there that they had learned to "play the game" in the spirit which stood them in good stead on the fields of Flanders. War in all ages had brought suffering and sorrow, and their thoughts would go out to the relatives who were ranged up in front of them, and that sympathy should take shape in caring for them in every way. He begged that all would aim at the creation of a spirit of unity throughout Canada and the building up of a strong nation thus working for the erection of a monument which would be lasting and worthy of those who had died for their country.
Arthur Plante, B. C. L.. gave an eloquent address in French, enlarging on the blessings which should be derived from the war. He divided his remarks into three parts. 1st "Fraternity." The world was one big human family. 2nd Loyalty to the Empire, when the bugle sounds when the world is in danger all irrespective of creed or religion There should respond to the call. There never was an empire country which gave such privileges to its minority and French Canadians should realize this. Such Patriotism, the blood of English, Canadian, Scotch and French intermingled in the same trench, their great sacrifice should be a better understanding and a unity hitherto unknown.
Major Rev. Canon Shatford who needs no introduction and whose eloquence of speech we cannot hope to report in print, received an ovation as he rose to speak and the audience were not disappointed in anticipating the speech of the day. The little Padre of whom we can all be so proud said he had addressed many audiences in the open air but they were of different type, those be referred to were in uniform and not so comfortably situated as the audience to-day. Usually they stood, certainly they had no comfortable seats, often grounds was too wet to sit on. Rapidly he depicted a scene of raised France during the war, how service was held in churches shot to pieces Interrupted by the steady tramp of battalions as they moved up to the lines and the drone overhead of aeroplanes as they went or returned with their messages of espionage or of death. Little did the strength in the empire for generation dream there that a few months or years hence he would address such an audience as was gathered to do homage to their dead. His heart thrilled to see so many in the county of Huntingdon who wished to perpetuate the memory of their heroes.
The monument as far as could be seen was a beautiful monument, and it is erected for three purposes: 1st. To honor the dead, 2nd, to perpetuate the past, and 3rd to Inspire the living. We cannot honor the dead so much they have honored us, for they have given their lives to do Honor to Canada. Honor to the Empire, and Honor to Humanity. By them the name of Canada rose to a height none of us ever dreamed it could reach. They brought fame and honor to us and to the empire. Before and during the war there were those who prophesied the doom of the British Empire but when our men swept up and over Vimy Ridge, over Pasachendale (sic), Amiens and Hill 70 and other so-thought impregnable strongholds they gave evidence that there still lions. Before the war we were beginning to lose faith in human beings in their mad striving for gain, but by their self-forgetfulness, their bravery, and uncomplaining all our faith in humanity has been restored. We placed our confidence in them and they justified our faith. and when they returned and swept through our streets never did we feel so proud. Yet how long would the glorious past live if it was not perpetuated by monuments and history. He foretold how in future years while the children played at the foot of the monument. Some tottering old man would recount the history of men whose names were on the monument and that of their comrades. The Major referred to the important part played by British Navy mentioning the boys of the Gibbing's family of Huntingdon. The way to prevent war was to imitate the principles for which these men died, it is the traditions behind us which carry weight and which we must uphold. He referred to the confidence the French had in the Canadians and gave instances, he stated that not one foot was ever given by the Canadians. and not one foot captured by them from the Germans was ever relinquished. Always there was confidence and cheerfulness at the front and that is what is needed in Canada today. He asked all to cooperate, to sink their differences and strive to make a united and better Canada. The Major finished an excellent address, which we wish we could report verbatum, by reciting a short poem.
The choir sang "Your Land and Mine."
Bugler Sgt. Williams sounded the "Last Post" and Major Caldwell conveyed the regrets of Brig-Gen. Armstrong. G. O. C., District No 4 who regretted his inability to be present Major Caldwell who is an officer on the permanent staff. served with the Indian army in France and has just returned from a mission in Russia. He read the names of the fallen, paid fitting tribute and drawing a cord dropped a huge Union Jack which had shrowded (sic) the monument. The Band played "God Save the King" while T. B. Pringle ran up a flag from half-mast.
Rev. E. Mowat pronounced the benediction.
There were many beautiful wreathes which after the unveiling were placed at the footh (sic) of the monument.
The memorial stands 18 feet 1 inch including the base. The monument proper being 16 feet 1 inch. It was designed by Wm. Forbes. London, Ontario. The statue is made of Barre Granite made London, Ont. Leonard Ruddick be Ing the contractor. The die or block on which the names are engraved was cut in Aberdeen, Scotland, and is also of Barre granite. The base is of Canadian granite and the foundation which was built by D. McNair is of concrete as are the walks from the street and around the monument. Two iron electric lamp posts are at the front corners and two more are to be placed at the rear. Machine guns are mounted on each side in the front and a trench mortar stands at the rear. All were captured from the Germans. The total cost will be about $5,000. The monument alone costing about $4,300. Some trees the park have been cut and others trimmed altogether it is most tasteful and the public sentiment is that a good job has been done by the committee and one of which we are all proud.
PTE. J. P. O'CONNOR (Connor)
PTE. JAMES BACK (should be Richard Back)
PTE. J. P. O'CONNOR was actually Pte. J. P. Connor
Transcribed by: marc