A new park in Montreal's West Island honours members of the Armed Forces, police officers, firefighters and first responders.
Governor General David Johnston inaugurated Heroes Park in Beaconsfield on Wednesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"How appropriate it is to have a park right in the middle of this great community where people can be reminded how lucky we are to have in Canada those who wear the uniform to portect our freedoms regularly," said Johnston.
The park marks the 100th anniversary of the commencement of the first World War and pays tribute to those who serve Canada during war and peace.
The impetus for creating the park and its cenotaph come from Major Richard Gratton, who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.
"It's not about me. It's about the men and women that are serving every day. And that's key. We don't want to forget their service and sacrifice," he said.
After finishing his tour of duty the soldier began working on the community project, enlisting students from nearby Beaconsfield High School and other volunteers to design the park and raise funds for the monument.
Earlier this summer the mayor of Beaconsfield said the park is in the perfect location.
"One which will remind you of the beauty of Beaconsfield, but at the same time why this beauty is still there. Because we are free because of the people who have given their lives over the years," said Georges Bourelle.
The Governor General had high praise for those who decided to create the park and worked to create it.
"This is volunteerism at its very best," said Johnston on Wednesday morning.
"You have groups coming together from different circumstances with different interests with great leadership, and doing a park which recognizes our heroes."
Students from BHS will bury a time capsule on Remembrance Day which is intended to be opened in 100 years, on the 200th anniversary of WWI.
The park is at the corner of Shore Rd. and Beaconsfield Blvd., across from Centennial Park.
At its center stands a 5-metre high, 13,500-kg cenotaph made from Quebec granite, topped with a Maple Leaf.
The sides of the cenotaph are engraved with the words "Honour, Service, Sacrifice" and "Lest We Forget" to pay tribute to those who lost their lives while serving the country.
