Ground has been broken on a new gunners monument to recognize military members from the Saint John area.
The monument, called “Standing Ready”, will be located along Harbour Passage between Long Wharf and Fort LaTour.
“What makes it unique is its location,” Capt. Tom Watters of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment told our newsroom.
“It’ll be in Saint John overlooking the port and all of the gunner positions that 3rd Field held and it’ll point to all of the places that 3rd Field fought in the war.”
The monument will also be near a memorial honouring the 158 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in the Afghanistan mission.
This plot of land along Harbour Passage is empty right now. But in about seven months, it’ll be home to a new monument commemorating those who’ve served in duty to their country. pic.twitter.com/LeCDCHTKiT
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) November 10, 2018
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Saturday — one day before the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
John Irving, an honourary colonel with the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, was also part of the ceremony.
Irving said the monument will be a memorial to those who have served in the past, those who are serving now, and those who will serve in the future.
“Harbour Passage is iconic for the people of Saint John,” he said. “We walk it, we run it, our visitors come and see it. To have a memorial on the most trafficked place in Saint John is fantastic.”
The new monument will be dedicated on June 6, 2019 — the 75th anniversary of D-Day. pic.twitter.com/OGiQSwcTjR
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) November 10, 2018
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Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(Photo: Brad Perry/Acadia News)
