“Remember … freedom is not free.”
The message was more poignant with recent events in Quebec and Ottawa in the week leading up to a mural dedication in Arthur on Oct. 25.
Artist Cliff Smith said the current mural is based on a drawing by Scott Cherry, a Grade 12 student (roughly a decade ago) who won a provincial award for his poster.
“We used that as the basis of the mural. From there we expanded it,” said Smith, who explained Cherry’s poster had two soldiers with a field cross, the line “Remember freedom isn’t free” and the maple leaf.
“It took me about five weeks to paint it,” Smith said of the large mural adjacent to the Arthur cenotaph.
He considered himself lucky to have had the space to paint the mural indoors at Marc Apparel.
The mural, installed a few weeks ago, is the third mural by Smith in Arthur. Others were installed on the side of the Sussman’s building and another building at the intersection of George and Charles Streets.
Arthur and Area Historical Society member Faye Craig said the piping by Alan and Elizabeth Ghent of Mount Forest helped set the tone for the colour party of Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 at the event.
“We gratefully appreciate hearing those pipes setting the tone for the service today,” said Craig.
She added it also offers the tone of a time-honoured tradition for those who love the music of the Scottish Highlands.
“Welcome guests to Canada’s Most Patriotic Village,” she said. “You have chosen to pause from your busy schedules to be part of this service.”
Craig said the mural will remind those who see it “of the freedom we have all been blessed with.”
She added that flowers were laid at the base of the mural as a symbol of respect to the two soldiers whose lives were taken last week – Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo.
“Our sincere condolences to their families and friends.”
A moment of silence was held for the fallen soldiers before Joyce McKee led the event with the singing of O Canada.
Craig noted work on the new mural began roughly eight months ago through the efforts of the historical society towards the creation of a fourth community mural.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of this committee. Together with many other volunteers [we have] made a contribution to this community.”
Craig said both Cherry and Smith have left a footprint in the community, with their talents leading to the creation of the mural.
Craig quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson as she said, “Do not go where the path may lead you, go instead where there is no path … and leave a trail.”
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece spoke briefly at the event, noting the events of the past week “have shown us that the freedom in our country has been paid for dearly.”
As he looked at the mural in Arthur, “I can’t help but think of all the sacrifices made in past wars by citizens of this country, and especially in Arthur, to keep our freedoms.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott said “it is a distinct honour to have been asked to say a few words.”
He thanked all those for attending as he noted Arthur’s cenotaph “has stood for so many years as a symbol of patriotism and pride in this community and as a monument to the courage and valour of Arthur residents who answered the call of duty to fight in Canada’s wars.”
Arnott added, “Every year on Nov. 11 we gather at cenotaphs like this one all across the country to remember all who served, all who sacrificed, all who were wounded and all who died.”
He continued, “This year will be especially significant. Not only is it the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in the Second World War, it is the year Canada’s mission in Afghanistan has just concluded but our mission against extremists of the Islamic State or ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) has just begun.”
Arnott too pointed to the events of last week in the nation’s capital “where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was insulted in the worst possible way by a cowardly attack.”
Arnott said “the village of Arthur is known far and wide as Canada’s Most Patriotic Village and it is the events of this week that remind us why that patriotism is so important – that freedom isn’t free.”
He added Canada’s freedoms were purchased at a dear cost and the lives of 100,000 Canadians over the past 100 years.
County councillor Lynda White said when she first saw the drawing of the proposed mural, “I got very emotional.”
She said Canadians take so much for granted. White noted those in the past, and those now serving have fought so hard to provide the freedoms Canadians have today.
“I am so honoured to be part of this community. I see this mural every day as I drive through this village and I am so proud of it,” she said.
Wellington North Mayor Ray Tout stated “this mural today is proof positive of the talent we have here in Arthur and Wellington North.”
He pointed to the group of volunteers that made certain this mural happened.
“Cliff has a God-given talent and we are so proud to have you in Wellington North,” said Tout.
“This mural is a testament to our wake-up call on Oct. 22. It shows once again that Arthur is the Most Patriotic Village in Canada.”
Derek Moore, Ontario District C Seat Commander of the Royal Canadian Legion, stated, “In light of the recent tragic events, this occasion takes on additional significance. It tells us to strengthen our resolve and commitment to our men and women who have chosen to wear the uniform of Canada’s armed forces …
“That we will always be there for them when they need our help … nor will we forget those who have gone before and paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Moore said residents of Arthur should be proud of their piece of Canadian history.
Cherry said he was honoured to take part in the day’s event. He spoke of Ian Turner’s history classes 10 years ago and the importance placed upon remembering veterans and their contributions throughout history.
“It was a central part of our classes with Mr. Turner. I remember when I was thinking about the design I was looking through some old photos of the Second World War and I stumbled upon one of two soldiers mourning a great loss,” Cherry said.
“I remember thinking at the time how these two guys, not much older than I was at the time, who had laid down their lives or someone they knew had laid down their lives for something greater than themselves.”
He too thanked the mural committee for bringing the project to fruition.
With the events of last week, Cherry considered the message “even more timely today than it ever will be.”
Cherry said, “It is so important for people to be at events such as this to honour the sacrifices that continue to be made to protect the values and freedoms we share.”
He suggested the cowardly acts of the week may be intended to make people fear each other and the world “but so often they have the opposite effect.”
To all those who have served, past and present, Cherry said, “Although thanks will never be enough – thank you.”
Smith spoke of how Cherry’s drawings helped make the mural happen. He also spoke of the two soldiers in grief portrayed in the mural and wondered whether the older veteran might have been one of the two.
“It completed the story for me. It made it a very appropriate and poignant scene,” said Smith.
John Walsh, a local veteran regarded as “the backbone” of Arthur’s historical society, noted the figures in the mural were based on local people.
The individuals used to illustrate the two soldiers were Rick Dingman and Walsh’s grandson (also named John Walsh). The veteran was based on Kenilworth area veteran Ken Waters, who took part in the D-Day Invasion as well as other campaigns in the Second World War.
