Saanich War Memorial

 

 
Victoria, British Columbia

Constructed in July of 1919 in memory of war dead 1014-1918, 1939-1945, 1950-1953 (Korea) and to Major Ernest W. MacQuarrio, CD, MA, BD Ceremonial Chaplain 1972-1993. The monument consists of a large block of granite approximately 1.7m high, set on a concrete base and dias of rough cast finish.

The municipality is very conscious of the supreme sacrifice that so many of its young made in times of conflict and erected a monument on the front lawn of the municipal hall as a result of a May 1970, council decision carried by a 5-to-2 vote to move the memorial from Gore Park on the west side of Shelbourne Street.

The land for Gore Park was dedicated to honour the First World War dead in 1919 but it was not until November 11, 1957, that a peace memorial at Gore Park was unveiled. A few years later, urban development resulted in the construction of a hamburger restaurant adjacent to the little park.

Mr. A.E. Horner, who was a vital part of the original ceremony at Gore Park, came forward again some 40 years later to protest the erection of a gas station next to the park.

In the present location of the memorial, Major Ernest W. MacQuarrio served as chaplain for the November 11 service from 1972 through 1993.

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