The first memorial monument to honour Canadian soldiers killed serving in Afghanistan will be built in Richmond Hill.
The Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization (CMOHC), located at 8640 Yonge St., recently announced plans for the project — the first of its kind in Canada. The stone monument, which will be located on the museum’ s property, is currently being designed overseas, and is scheduled to be unveiled at an event featuring families of fallen soldiers, the armed forces and conflict survivors on April 10. Funding for the monument has come from friends and supporters of the museum.
“The response we’ve gotten has been amazing,” said Shylee Someshwar, chair of the CMOHC, regarding public feedback since the announcement.
Someshwar said the monument is part of a bigger initiative for the multi-faith museum. Plans to create scholarships are also in the works, she said.
“We’re doing it for an emotional reason,” Someshwar said. “We’re doing it because we are Canadian [and] we wanted to pay tribute to our very own, present-day heroes.”
Mayor Dave Barrow praised the project.
“I think it’s wonderful they’ve chosen to do it,” Barrow said. “I think it’s a great initiative.”
Barrow said that he plans to attend the opening and expects most of council will as well.
All are invited to attend the April event.