For Immediate Release October 26th, 2013 Statement on The Veteran Statue Reinstatement On October 26th, 2013 the reinstatement of the Veteran Statue in Gage Park took place. This event was organized in cooperation with Branches 15 and 609 of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Bettridge family. The following are remarks by Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell during the reinstatement ceremony: “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. As Mayor, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all as we pay tribute to our beloved Veterans by re-dedicating this statue to honour their memory and sacrifice. “I would like to especially welcome the family of the late Bill “Boots” Bettridge – Bill was the model and inspiration for this statue and by re-dedicating it today, we are also paying tribute to Bill’s remarkable life and legacy as one of Brampton’s veterans, and a man who has left us a rich legacy of service. “As Mayor, I originally commissioned this statue in 2005 to mark the National Year of the Veteran. It was carved by artist Jim Menken from the trunk of a dying red oak tree that stood in Gage Park for more than a century, and remains a tribute to the many men and women who served - and continue to serve our nation - in wars and peacekeeping missions around the world. “Sadly, due to the natural absorption of water being wicked-up through the root system, The Veteran tree sculpture began to deteriorate and the City of Brampton has now re-carved it and moved the statue to a new and high profile location within Gage Park. “I would like to recognize artist Jim Menkin for his work on this monument, and offer my thanks to the Government of Canada and our own Brampton West Member of Parliament, Kyle Seeback, for a grant towards the cost of this project. “The statue still stands facing the Brampton Cenotaph, reminding all of Bramptons citizens that we have a duty to honour the service, sacrifice, and the memory of all Veterans. “Today, we also remember Bill Betteridge, a decorated Veteran of World War II and survivor of Operation Overlord, the D Day landing in Normandy, France, that ultimately lead to the end of the Second World War. “Bill’s passing was very sad for the family who loved him and for so many Bramptonians; he had endeared himself to us all. “His many accomplishments include his membership in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 15; his work in promoting the Juno Beach Centre; his commitment to educating youth; and his trips to Europe with young Canadians to personally show them the contribution Canada’s veterans have made in the defense of freedom and our allies. “Today, we re-dedicate this tribute to our Veterans - may it stand as a sentinel to the honour of those who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces. “May it forever remind us of the reality that our freedom is not free – it was secured and defended for us, through the service and sacrifice of our Veterans – by Canadians like Bill “Boots” Betteridge.” -30-
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 14:16:17 +0000
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