The Volunteer



Almonte, Ontario

This monument was constructed in the memory of the men of Almonte who fell for freedom. The Memorial was requested by the widow of Lt. Alex Rosamond and was a likeness of her late husband, based on photos. The finished work by Dr. R. Tait Mackenzie, looked so much like her late husband that she had it changed. Mrs Rosamond also left $1000.00 for its upkeep. The Memorial was redone in 1967. Lt. Alex Rosamond was killed in action at Courcelette on Sept. 15, 1916. The Volunteer was dedicated on Sept.11, 1923.

A poem called the Volunteer was written by Ethel McKenzie.

He watches - in a little northern town,
Through winter cold and parching summer beat,
Where quiet folk go simply up and down,
O'er stony bridge and narrow crooked street.
He guards - alone - alert, with clenched hand,
In readiness with his young manhood's might,
To spring to action at a word's command,
Uphold his honour and defend his right.

He watches - while the children leave their play.
To lay their garlands clustered at his feet,
Zinnias and asters from home gardens gay,
In little hands held close and warm and sweet.
He smiles - he leans - and every winsome maid
Feels in her heart this joyous chivalry,
And lads look starry - eyed and unafraid
To grow to manhood strong and brave as he.

He watches. Oh, ye men with him who fell!
Mighty of valour, bold, unflinching free!
Here, in this place, your spirits seem to dwell,
Drawn to the home of your mortality.
He waits! Nor shall his vigil be in vain,
Men like to him shall ever pay the price;
Shun all dishonor, scorn the thought of pain,
And make the great immortal sacrifice!


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