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Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 adds new memorial to Veterans Memorial Park

Acorn tree from Vimy Ridge planted in rememberance of those who fought for freedom
9131111_web1_171101-GNG-Acorntree2

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 members and war veterans will always remember the Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 9 to 12, 1917.

Legion members, as well as Langford Mayor Stew Young and council, were on hand to commemorate a new symbol of remembrance for Vimy Ridge at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday.

Legion president Norm Scott said with the recent 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge, the Legion had no hesitation adding the memorial.

“Upon that, they sent out information that you could purchase a tree from the acorn from Vimy,” he said. “We took it upon ourselves because as an executive and a branch, we need to recognize the wars. We have the wars all throughout the cenotaph, different histories at different times and we felt that it was a necessity to have this within our park.”

Scott said it was approximately seven or eight months before they received the tree. Once it arrived, they had the tree in a nursery and took care of it until it was ready to be planted.

The Legion also put protective fencing around the tree to prevent any damage.

“We’ve already seen one back east that was damaged and destroyed,” Scott said. “It has to be protected in a sense because it is a very fragile tree.”

Young said it is a priority for those who fought for freedom to be recognized. “It is important we continue to recognize the past history and the sacrifices that were made,” he said.

“Especially with the Legion here, we feel there is a real bond and partnership. This is something we can be really proud of in our community and in Veterans Memorial Park. It’s very fitting and on behalf of the City and all residents, we thank everybody involved in this.”


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jessica.fedigan@goldstream

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