Tanks have no place at Cenotaph: former mayor

October 28, 2015 · 0 Comments

(Re: Thanks, but no tanks. October 22)

A leaflet published by the Aurora War Memorial Board in 1988 provides everything anyone might want to know of the history of the Aurora War Memorial and Memorial Garden.
Details are all there, including use for a monument, registered against title of the land.
It cannot be used for any purpose except that for which it was acquired.
No meetings are allowed other than approved for the purpose of raising funds for upkeep of the memorial.
The use cannot be stretched to include display of any monument other than to commemorate those who died in battle never to return home.
Jacqueline Stuart is the
acknowledged authority of Town history. Ms. Stuart has informed Council of the history of the institution and why placement of a war machine is not an appropriate use.
Every year on November 11, the gathering grows at the Cenotaph. The Town’s oldest and youngest residents are there together. Parents clearly intend the tradition will be continued and memory kept fresh and meaningful.
That’s respect.
The Mayor and Council are in attendance to pay their respects.
I can’t believe the intention is to disrespect an institution soon to mark a century of Town history.
Yet, that is exactly the impact of the decision to display a facsimile of an armed military vehicle in that place.
It does not belong.
It is not welcome.
It has no place in that space.

Evelyn M. Buck
Aurora