By Kathie MacDuff
The Cenotaph in Sorrento was beautifully restored just in time for Remembrance Day ceremonies. (Photo contributed)
Retired RCMP officers Larry Boak and Reid Tait, members of the Shuswap Division - RCMP Veteran’s Association grave site Cemetery Maintenance Program, first noticed in April, the disrepair of the Sorrento Cenotaph on the grounds of St. Mary Anglican United Church. They volunteer to maintain, clean and look after the resting places of four deceased Royal Canadian Mounted Police members at rest at St. Mary’s.
The Cenotaph was in very poor condition with paint peeling and the plaques weathered. Upon investigation, they learned that it fell to the Chase Royal Canadian Legion to maintain this Cenotaph. Reid contacted the Royal Canadian Legion branches in Chase (Dan McLean) and Salmon Arm (Lance Ewan), Presidents of each branch. They both agreed the Cenotaph needed a clean-up.
In September, Reid met with Lance and he advised that his Branch would cover the cost of restoration of the Cenotaph. Reid was able to get in touch with Mark Binns of Mountain Glade Farm in Lee Creek. He is a general carpenter and contractor. Just in time for this year’s November 11 Memorial Services, the Cenotaph restoration was professionally completed.
Others involved were Tylor Bryson, Dawson Civil project manager for the Newsome Creek upgrade who ensured the area near the cenotaph was open and available for use, and Rev. Heather Hamlin Gravells, St. Mary’s minister, who was available for consultation and ensured water was available.
The monument, a four-sided granite obelisk with bevelled corners, was originally commissioned and erected by Royal Canadian Legion Branch #107 following the First World War. Because St. Mary’s Anglican United Church served as a central spiritual and community gathering place in Sorrento, placing the memorial prominently in front of the church provided a shared space for public Remembrance Day gatherings, reflection, and community memorial services.
Originally created to honour the fallen of the 1914–1918 War, the cenotaph was later updated with additional plaques to commemorate local soldiers who lost their lives in 1939–1945 during World War II, as well as those who served in the Korean War.
Thanks to the efforts of these local citizens, the site continues to serve as the local focus for Remembrance Day ceremonies in Sorrento.
