Veterans tribute
Submitted by Michael Brydon on Mon, 12/14/2009 - 20:58
Welcome to the West Bench Veterans Tribute Project!
The West Bench was created more than fifty years ago under the Veteran's Land Act (VLA) to provide housing and a source of agricultural income for local veterans. For some time West Bench residents have been discussing the idea of a tribute to the vets and their successful VLA project. The Area F Parks Commission—a group of volunteers from your community—has agreed that it is time to move this idea forward. Some of the preliminary ideas for a tribute include a display or monument in Selby Park (2224 West Bench Drive), perhaps with historical elements about the war, the Veterans’ Land Act, and the early days on the West Bench. A companion book consisting of vignettes and photos from veterans and early residents has also been suggested.
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Update November, 2011: The RDOS was recently provided with a grant from the federal Department of Veterans' Affairs to make this tribute project a reality (see the news story under "News and media" below). We are now in the process of putting together a design committee and organizing public consultation. Please stand by for updates... Update 01 February 2012: A design open house will be held on Thursday, 16 Feb, 2012, at 7 PM in the West Bench gynmansium (or library, if numbers permit). You can fill out pre-open house survey below. |
Public Resources and Links
- February 2012: Online version of the survey sent to West Bench residents (opens in a new window).
- National Film Board documentary from 1945 explaining the Veteran's Land Act (VLA). Very interesting to watch (thanks to Chris Allen for the link).
Design Committee Links
- Discussion forum (login required -- coming soon)
