Mother Canada, the 18-metre-high statue facing the ocean off the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, is the source of strong reactions in support, and in opposition. Many of the people living in the area object to the location in picturesque Green Cove. But there are others, who appreciate the sentiment, and look forward to welcoming veterans and their families.
The Never Forgotten National Memorial Foundation, which proposed the monument, is raising $25 million for the project through corporate and private donations. The memorial monument is to be completed in 2017 to coincide with Canada’s 150th birthday.
The entire memorial will take up just under one hectare of land in Cape Breton Highlands national park. Retired Major-General Lewis MacKenzie, originally from Truro, Nova Scotia, is a strong supporter.
MacKenzie says when he saw the artist’s depiction of the project, during an interview early in the planning process, he knew he had to support it. “It just blew me away,” he said. “It was a very emotional moment. A short time later I was an ambassador for the project and I’m very happy to be able to support the project because it’s unique in the world.”
Mackenzie explains that Canada only started to repatriate its war dead in 1970 and the memorial is a fitting tribute to those buried overseas. “We have this luxury, and it is a luxury,” he said.” We fought most of our wars off our shore. Most countries, they are fought on their own territory as a result the casualties and those deceased are dealt with on their territory. We, on the other hand, buried the vast majority of our personnel overseas or at sea.”
Parks Canada has already given the foundation the green light for the Green Cove location.
The monument is scheduled for completion in 2017 to coincide with Canada’s 150th birthday.
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