Mimico War Memorial - Vimy Ridge Park, Mimico
© Michael Harrison 2010
Following World War One the chapter set about the work to create a fitting monument to those who had served and those who had lost their lives. They set about to create a Memorial Park in Mimico. In 1921 the voters of Mimico approved expenditures to add to the funds already raised by the Union Jack Chapter of the I.O.D.E. to purchase land for the park. About the same time plaques listing the names of those who had served and those that had died were placed in the park. Work on a war memorial began in 1930 at a gore shaped park on the Lake Shore Road. According to the Globe and Mail, on October 12, 1930 more than 5000 people assembled at the Lake Shore Road and Queens Drive after parading from Memorial Park to the site via Church Street (Royal York Road), Mimico Avenue and the Lake Shore Road to attend the unveiling of the Mimico war memorial. "Following a hymn ex-Mayor, W. E. Savage called upon Mrs. W.H. Riddleworth, mother of the first Mimico soldier to fall in the Great War, to unveil the memorial. Then Rev. William Fingland, himself a veteran, stepped forward and slowly read the names of those men who had left Mimico to serve their country, and who never returned. One by one as they were read, the silence was broken only by the sobs of mothers and widows who had gathered to witness the ceremony in honor (sic) of their loved ones." There was discussion at the time to move the plaques to the memorial site, however the idea generated some controversy, and the plaques remained in Memorial Park. It was only after 1967 when the Town of Mimico was dissolved and amalgamated with the Borough of Etobicoke that they were also moved and joined up with the cenotaph in present day Vimy Ridge Park at Lake Shore Blvd. West and Queens Avenue.
© Michael Harrison 2010
When I first came across this jewel in Mimico it brought tears to my eyes. I spent time pondering and was touched lost in the wonder of the lives lost and dedicated while flecking to my own dear families WWI heritage. I keep meaning to go back and spend time there. I hope to do so with my visiting grandson this summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the work, dedication and time you have put in so that people like myself can fine these hidden nuggets. People like you are the salt of the earth. Great blog and again thank you.
Good Work. Canadians should never forget those who sacrificed all they had for others.
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