Constructed in 1967 in memory of those of the Markham District whose lives were sacrificed for the cause of Freedom.

Dedicated in Remembrance Day Ceremony, November 11, 1967.

Sculpture by Rebecca Sisler, RCA.

Originally located outside the library building, the sculpture was moved indoors and rededicated in a ceremony in June 1996.

My basic motive is to convey the need for man to work towards lasting peace. Using a family group as representative of the bedrock from which our society is hewn, I am presenting four figures (man, woman, and two children) as a unit of interlocking solidarity. My thought is to stimulate an impression of the ennobling strength of the family unit, and to convey the idea that responsibility for man's affairs passes inevitably from one generation to another.

Linking this to the thought that throughout the ages it has perhaps been in defense of the family, evolving to the defense of the freedom of one's country that men have gone to war, and since the family is irrevocably involved in the deaths which must occur, I hope that the Markham Cenotaph will stand as a meaningful monument to those who have lost their lives.

From a letter sent in January 1967,
by the sculptor, Rebecca Sisler to
Rear Admiral W.M. Landymore,
O.B.E., C.D., R.C.N.

A Brief History

After the Second World War, the citizens of Markham hoped that a fitting memorial would be erected to the memory of those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom in World Wars One and Two. A rock garden at the southern end of Markham was begun but never finished. Until a General Meeting of the Public was held at the Veterans Hall early in 1964 and a Cenotaph Committee was appointed, no tangible evidence of a Memorial had been forthcoming.

The Cenotaph Committee was composed of ex officio, the Reeve of the Village, the President of the Markham District Veterans Association and nominees, Mrs. Fred Reid, Mr. Allan T. Paterson, Mr. Anothony C. Allen, Mr. Lloyd Abernethy and Mr. Paul Mingay.

Two fundamental problems had to be solved by the Committee, firstly the design and secondly the site for the Cenotaph. A design contest was held and several submissions were made by area artists. After much discussion and thought, negotiations were entered into with the Village Library Board, with the hope of locating at the new Centennial Library site. The Library Board gave approval, which was ratified by the Village Council. Mr. Philip Brook, the library architect, was charged with ensuring the setting and design would be compatible with the building.

At this point the Committee sought professional help, and the well known and very talented sculptor, Miss Rebecca Sisler of Terra Cotta, formerly of Markham Township, graciously agreed to assist.

Miss Sisler initially submitted a column design, but by now the library was underway and it was seen the piece would be lost in its architecture. From further discussion with Miss Sisler evolved the concept of a family group as the basic social unit of society. The Committee approved of the model made by Miss Sisler, and only the task to bring the ideas into being remained.

All the while the Committee kept in mind the high ideals involved in their task. When it came to raising the funds for the Cenotaph, it was felt that as this was a community task that it should be shared communally. The communal meal is part of our heritage and not only in our religious history, but whenever in the past joint effort was needed at barn raisings, threshing bees and silo fillings, men and women sat down together. It was decided to try it.

The Kiwanis Club of Markham agreed to provide the framework for the organization of the dinner and with the help of many other citizens and all other service clubs, the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans Association, matters got under way.

To address the dinner Rear Admiral William M. Landymore, O.B.E., C.D., R.C.N. was invited. That he came with his gracious wife from their home at Head of Chezzetcook, Halifax County, Nova Scotia without conditions and without reward will ever be remembered by the 600 people who filled the Centennial Ballroom at the Inn on the Park. His address stirred every soul and was, perhaps, for many the keynote speech for our Centennial year. He was given the key to the Village by Reeve Alma Walker and accorded the privileges of a freeman by resolution of Council, and, as well made an honorary member of the Veterans' Association and the Kiwanis Club of Markham.

The dinner, with special donations from the Markham Unionville Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club of Markham and many individuals and corporations have provided the Cenotaph proper.

The pool and setting which compliment the Cenotaph, and, indeed are part of it, have been constructed by contractors who have contributed labour and material, either without or at reduced cost. Acknowledgment of assistance here is elsewhere acknowledged and is sincerely appreciated. The remainder of cost is yet to be met, it is hoped, with some help from the municipality.

All of which is to say we trust that this is a fitting Cenotaph, commemorating those who are buried elsewhere, who have died at war for this, our Canada, in the defence of those privileges and those freedoms exercised in their fullness in the dedication of this sculpture, November 11, 1967.

THE CENOTAPH COMMITTEE

Chairman: Mr. Paul W.J.Mingay
Mrs. Fred (Edna) Reid;Mr. Anothony C. Allen
Mr. Allan T. Paterson; Mr. Lloyd Abernathy, Councillor
Village Representative: Reeve Alma Walker

Markham District Veterans Representatives

President Arthur Underwood - 1964-65
President Willian Birch - 1965-66
President Charles Mullett - 1966-67
First Vice-President Jack Peplow - 1967-

From the Remembrance Day and
Cenotaph Dedication Program,
Titled the Order of Service,
Dated Markham, November 11, 1967