Mount Forest Legion Branch 134 will unveil its new 14-section mural depicting the story of Canadian war efforts at a dedication ceremony on June 4 at 11am.
The Mount Forest Legion received a $2,500 Public Art Grant from the Community Improvement Program offered through the township to help beautify businesses and downtowns of Wellington North.
Local mural artist Cliff Smith was contacted to develop the piece. It is meant to be a testament to Canadian involvement in battle, from the First World War to Afghanistan, with local history intertwined.
“I decided to break it into sections,” said Smith, “using piping as black lines to ‘flow’ the piece together.”
The mural will feature the Victoria Cross, in recognition of Capt. Frederick William Campbell and Samuel Lewis Honey from Wellington North who earned the distinction. The Victoria Cross is the highest military honour that can be awarded to soldiers of the Commonwealth. Only 71 Canadians were honoured with the award during WWI.
The mural also features scenes of tanks and planes that were made in Canada and actually used in the battles.
“We are very excited to showcase this piece of work to tell our local story on our building and encourage the public to join us for the dedication ceremony on June 4 to see it for the first time,” said branch president Kathleen MacRobbie.
RSVP by May 27 to the Legion at 519-323-1570.
