Memorial Wall expands at George's Square by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Wednesday, June 19, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Town of Oakville honoured its Second World War veterans with the unveiling of a new memorial wall at the George's Square cenotaph Thursday. The limestone wall addition lists the names of 26 men and women who served Canada in active military conflicts and who lived in Oakville at the time of their enlistment. The list includes Col. Geoff Parker who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. Parker was travelling in a convoy when it came under attack by a suicide car bomber. "As a lasting legacy, George's Square allows us to reflect on the men and women who fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom." The unveiling, which took place before a group of about 40 veterans and their family members, also featured the singing of O Canada and the playing of the Last Post. The new wall complements the two existing curved limestone walls at the north and south ends of the cenotaph. The original monuments list the names of veterans who served in the First and Second World Wars, and those who died serving their country. Second World War veteran and former Oakville mayor Harry Barrett called the cenotaph a work in progress since it was erected in 1922. Above, left, Mary and Charles Davisdon find the name of their son Graeme Davidson, who served in the Balkans and Afghanistan, on the wall during the dedication ceremony of the new addition at George's Square Memorial and Cenotaph. The new limestone wall lists the names of Oakville residents who served Canada in active military conflicts after the Second World War. At right, former Oakville mayor and Second World War veteran Harry Barrett speaks at the ceremony. photo by Nikki Wesley Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) With the cenotaph now recognizing Oakville residents who served in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Cyprus, Egypt, the Persian Gulf, Balkans and elsewhere, Barrett said he hopes the cenotaph is complete and will need no additions because of future conflicts. "When they call it a peacekeeping operation, you have to remember they were subject to the same dangers as they were in the First and Second World Wars," said Barrett. "The bullets were just as sharp, the landmines were probably more devious. They offered themselves up. They offered their lives for their country and for their town and for that we shall be forever grateful." The new addition to the cenotaph was well received by those it recognized. see Hometown on p.12 HUGE SELECTION UPTO 25% OFF EVERYTHING! Helping You Make Smart Decisions About Your Money Voted Number 1 Financial Planner 10 Years Various sizes and colours · Patio Furniture · Gazebos · Awnings · Patio Umbrellas · Bedroom · Dining · Bar Stools · Office Chairs · Sofas · Home Theatre Seating DESTINATION FURNITURE OPEN EVERY DAY! MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Certified Financial Planner Peter Watson SINCE 1991 584 Kerr Street @ Speers, Oakville 905.337.3653 www.destinationfurniture.ca 220 Randall Street · Downtown Oakville Phone: 905.842.2100 www.peterwatsoninvestments.com