By: Staff Writer
As a mark of tribute to the Canadian soldiers fallen in Afghanistan, an imposing, black-granite Memorial was unveiled by host of civilian and military dignitaries at a somber-yet-impressive function held in Richmond Hill on Sunday.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Cabinet Minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, congratulated the Indo-Canadian community for building a structure that would carry the Canadian legacy of peace-keeping forward to the younger generation.
‘Maple Leaf Memorial’, as it is come to be known as, because of a gleaming red-colored Maple Leaf structure atop 12 feet granite column, is located within the precincts of the Hindu Temple in Richmond Hill.
The memorial has been constructed primarily by the Indo-Canadian community led by Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization (CMOHC)–a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to showcasing global peace-keeping initiatives. The Indo-Community channelised substantial resources to ensure that the structure captured the glory and honor of their sacrifices.
Granites, used in the structure, were sourced from South India.
Canadian Armed Forces personnel graced the occasion in their ceremonial attire with their medallions and colors. Army Band from ‘Buglers from Queen’s Own Regiment played the occasion. ‘Guard of Honors’ was given by 32nd Battalion’ while Color Flag was given by York police’. Six Frasers Highlanders and four sentries guarded the monument as the function was unfolding.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajit Somershwar, donor and event-coordinator of CMOHC, said that this monument is a clear demonstration of the tribute Indo-Canadians want to pay to Canadian armed forces in their peacekeeping role. “We salute our heroes”, he said.
Ajit pointed that the memorial also bears testimony to the fact that Indo-Canadians have integrated very well in Canadian society. “I have always held the view that the immigrants behave in the pattern of concentric circles. The first circle consists of new immigrants, who have their body in Canada, but their feet and mind back home. After a few years when they are firmly rooted with jobs, businesses, education, and friends, they move in to the second circle with their feet in Canada but mind still back home. The third circle comprises of immigrants who are well-entrenched with their body, feet and mind in Canada. This is when the community becomes integral part of Canada. We can proudly say that we are in the third-circle now.”
Dr. B Doobay who has dedicated the Hindu temple to world peace said that he was proud to be a part of the historic moment when a rand structure was dedicated to the Canadian soldiers. Ms. Shylee Someshwar Chair of CMOHC thanked all the participants and the entre team dedicated to making the event a success.
The MPPs and MPs who participated in the unveiling of the memorial included Hon George Smittherman, Michael Ignatieff, Jim Flaherty, Bryon Wilfert, Christine Elliot, Consiglio Di Nino, Gerry Phillips, Kristy Duncan, Maria Minna, Michael Chan, Navdeep Singh Bains, Patrick Brown, Peter Shurman, and Andrew Kani.
Other prominent dignitaries, who participated in unveiling the function included Mr. Alok Mukherjee, Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board, Armand P. La Barge, Chief of York Regional Police, Dave Barrow, Mayor of Richmond Hill, Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham, Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, Karen Mock, Human Right Activist, Hari Panday, President and CEO of ICICI Bank, Canada,Michael Ignatieff, Leader of Liberal Party.